41:49An in-depth examination of the school choice program revealed that the district currently incurs a cost of $7,000 per student for the 231 students participating, totaling approximately $1.617 million. Concerns were raised about potential deficits if the district were to spend $12,000 per student.

49:56A motion was discussed regarding school choice recommendations for the 2025-2026 school year, proposing specific numbers for participation across different grades. This motion initially failed due to mixed support, but an amended proposal eventually passed, setting the framework for future school choice allocations. The board acknowledged the need for a thorough financial analysis of the school choice program to assess its sustainability and potential profitability.

01:05:48Financial discussions also extended to the DHH program, which is experiencing space constraints due to its growth. The program, which serves nine preschool students requiring focused language acquisition support, is integrated into the Norton High School facilities, originally designed for other purposes. The board is considering a long-term solution by acquiring a new property on Old Colony Road to accommodate the program’s expansion. A Purchase and Sale agreement was executed. This move would free up space at JCS and Norton High School, addressing the need for additional classroom space.

The acquisition of the new property is expected to provide financial benefits, as the DHH program will compensate Norton at 50% of the per pupil cost, equating to an anticipated funding amount of $229,980 for the following year. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining inclusive opportunities for DHH students and ensuring that transportation logistics are managed effectively to support their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

01:35:11The meeting also addressed employment matters, notably the approval of an extended contract for the superintendent, ensuring her tenure through June 30, 2029. This decision was accompanied by discussions on the superintendent’s performance evaluation, which recognized strengths in instructional leadership and community engagement while noting areas for improvement in organizational management. The contract details are to be made publicly available online.

01:37:21In another significant agenda item, the meeting acknowledged donations of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for the Norton Public Schools. Through collaboration with the American Heart Association and Sisters at Heart, nine AEDs were procured for various outdoor locations within the schools to enhance emergency response capabilities. The board expressed gratitude for the advocacy efforts that secured funding for these devices, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring student safety.

01:42:33As the meeting drew to a close, the board honored Sherry Cohen, a longstanding member of the school committee, who was not seeking re-election. Her contributions to the Norton community over nine years were recognized. Emotional responses from attendees underscored the impact of her service, particularly during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.