The most pressing topic of the meeting was the future of the district’s music program, particularly the band. Concerns were raised about declining student participation, with one speaker lamenting that “next year there won’t be enough kids to fill the band.” The speaker compared Norton’s band program to those in neighboring schools like Foxboro, Mansfield, and Pembroke, all of which have robust programs starting from fifth grade through high school. They expressed fear that Norton’s band program, once a source of pride, was at risk of being entirely lost. This sentiment was echoed by other participants who emphasized the social and educational importance of maintaining strong music programs.

The broader discussion on budgetary constraints revealed that the district faced a significant cut of approximately $3.7 million. A committee member acknowledged the difficult decisions resulting from this financial shortfall, emphasizing that “none of these decisions feel good.” They highlighted the challenge students face in choosing between extracurricular activities, such as volleyball and band, due to the cuts. This member also expressed frustration with the lack of unanimous support from town officials for an override to help fund these programs. They urged critics to propose alternative solutions instead of merely suggesting further cuts, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in budget discussions.

Jen Colassi, another participant, stressed the social impact of cutting band and chorus during the school day. She highlighted that these programs provide a vital sense of belonging for students who may not excel in sports. Colassi shared that her shy son, who does not participate in sports, benefits from being part of the band. She warned that without these programs, many students could become disengaged in high school. Val Cabal echoed these concerns, recounting her own positive experiences with band and chorus. She pointed out that students today need to be well-rounded to be competitive for college applications, and cutting music programs would hinder opportunities for many.

Further contributions included a suggestion to restructure the middle school music program, as other schools have done, implying a need for reevaluation of existing structures to better support music education. The meeting also touched on logistical issues regarding school start times and upcoming audits from the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System, which would require sharing employee census data and pension information.

In addition to the music program concerns, the meeting addressed the Tiered Focus Monitoring (TFM) process for Special Education and civil rights. A presentation detailed the district’s self-assessment and onsite verification phases, which spanned from May 2023 to February 2024. The monitoring process identified issues related to initial evaluation timelines and the transfer of parental rights for students turning 18. Corrective actions included adjustments to data input methods and changes in communication processes during IEP meetings.

A federal grant aimed at reducing the need for timeout spaces in elementary schools was also discussed. The grant funded upgrades to these spaces, addressing safety concerns and promoting student retention in general education environments. Collaboration with Walker Solutions provided professional development opportunities to train teachers on strategies to keep students within classroom settings, emphasizing the importance of self-regulation.

The committee also discussed efforts to improve the English Language Learner (ELL) curriculum, identification processes, and incorporation of Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) strategies within content area classes. Curriculum development efforts, which began in July, included reviewing and field-testing materials, with plans for implementation readiness by the end of the year. The district focused on data uniformity and updating benchmarking practices to improve ELL identification and progress monitoring.

Staffing changes within the Norton School District were noted, including retirements, resignations, and transitions from full-time to part-time positions. The district realized savings of $337,000 by hiring replacements at lower salaries. Despite these savings, concerns were raised about the remaining $134,000 in the budget, considered insufficient for the school year’s needs. The committee discussed the reinstatement of a sixth nurse and the hiring of additional paraprofessionals to address student needs. A security upgrade for the district’s network, following a network incident in June, was also reported.

Questions were raised regarding the reduction in guidance counselors at the high school, with clarification provided that the change was due to a mutual parting of ways rather than a cut. The committee noted an agreement with the Norton Teachers Association to incorporate a Middle School band and chorus into an after-school club program, with specifics of the stipends still being finalized.

Public comments revealed discontent among parents regarding the elimination of music and art classes during the school day. A parent emphasized that music and art are essential components of a quality education, correlating them with improved student performance.