48:49The most noteworthy item on the agenda was the approval of a revised school choice plan for the upcoming academic year. After an initial proposal from the Superintendent was rejected, the committee passed an amended motion with a 3-2 vote. The plan includes zero school choice students in grades one through six, two in seventh grade, and five each in ninth and tenth grades. The committee emphasized transparency in public record-keeping during this decision-making process.

01:07:37Parallel to the school choice discussion, the committee grappled with space limitations, particularly for the district’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) program. This program, which has outgrown its current facilities, is facing potential displacement if a long-term solution isn’t found soon. The urgency of securing appropriate space was underscored, with the committee considering the acquisition of a new building on Old Colony Road. This site, previously used as an adult learning facility, could provide necessary classroom space if acquired by September 2025, helping to alleviate overcrowding at existing schools like JCS and the high school.

01:13:02Financial discussions were also prominent, highlighting the complexities of funding educational programs like the DHH. The current budget allocates $130,000 for renting spaces, but with the potential new building, financial arrangements will need to be revised. A proposed solution involves paying 50% per pupil costs for Norton students accessing the DHH program, which could result in a financial inflow of approximately $229,980 for the district.

01:34:48Another agenda item was the approval of the Superintendent’s employment contract, extending her tenure from July 2026 to June 2029. The committee expressed gratitude for her continued leadership, unanimously supporting the contract’s largely unchanged terms. The decision underscores the committee’s confidence in the Superintendent’s ability to guide the district through ongoing challenges and opportunities.

01:37:11The meeting also highlighted a collaborative effort to enhance student safety with the acceptance of donations for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The initiative, led by a wellness committee member affiliated with the American Heart Association, involved securing nine AEDs for outdoor areas across Norton Public Schools. These life-saving devices will be installed in weatherproof containers. The committee unanimously accepted the donation, expressing appreciation for the community support and collaboration that made it possible.

01:42:38The meeting concluded with an emotional farewell to Sherry Cohen, a longtime committee member not seeking re-election. Her nine years of service were celebrated with anecdotes and gifts, recognizing her compassionate approach to decision-making and her dual role as a director of counseling. Colleagues praised her leadership, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed gratitude for her dedication to the district’s students and families.