Oversees Norton public schools — sets the school budget, approves curriculum changes, and hires the superintendent.
174 items across 16 meetings.
June 3, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Residents may address the committee.
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve minutes of January 28 executive session and May 18 open session meetings.
📋 Proposed
Approval of bill/payment warrants.
• Status unclear
Update from student representatives.
• Status unclear
Recognition of student achievement, presented by Dr. Jennifer O'Neill.
• Status unclear
Recognition of the graduating Class of 2026.
• Status unclear
Honoring staff retiring in FY2026.
💬 Discussed
Presentation by the JED Foundation on its high school mental-health program.
📋 Proposed
Review and vote on updates to student and family handbooks for next year.
📋 Proposed
Discussion and vote on improvement plans presented by elementary and secondary principals.
💬 Discussed
Discussion on special education transportation.
📋 Proposed
Review and vote on summer budget transfers presented by Kristine Hadfield.
📋 Proposed
Vote on the FY27 budget as approved at Town Meeting.
💬 Discussed
Updates on the district strategic plan from Dr. O'Neill.
📋 Proposed
Discussion and vote to adopt high-quality instructional materials for middle school science.
• Status unclear
Topics not reasonably anticipated 48 hours in advance.
May 18, 2026 · agenda
💬 Discussed
Introduction of the Class of 2026 valedictorian and salutatorian.
• Status unclear
Public comment period.
💬 Discussed
Discussion and possible vote on Town Meeting articles affecting schools.
📋 Proposed
Approval of January 28 and May 6 executive and open session minutes.
📋 Proposed
Review and approval of warrants.
💬 Discussed
Update from student representatives.
🗳️ Voted on
Second reading and vote on revised policy governing gifts to and solicitations by staff.
🗳️ Voted on
Second reading and vote on revised fundraising policy.
🗳️ Voted on
Second reading and vote on revised policy on parent and booster organization relations.
🗳️ Voted on
Second reading and vote on revised policy for administering medicine to students.
🗳️ Voted on
Review and vote on meeting dates for the 2026-2027 school year.
🗳️ Voted on
Discussion and vote on superintendent's conflict of interest disclosure for the Extended School Year Program.
💬 Discussed
Updates on the district strategic plan.
🗳️ Voted on
Discussion and vote on adopting new high-quality instructional materials for high school math.
• Status unclear
Topics not reasonably anticipated 48 hours in advance.
May 6, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Committee selects officers (chair, vice-chair, etc.) for the new term.
📋 Proposed
Residents may address the committee.
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve April 15 and April 30 (joint with Select Board) meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of bills and payments.
📋 Proposed
Student reps report to the committee.
📋 Proposed
Presentation on autism awareness efforts at L.G. Nourse Elementary.
💬 Discussed
Initial review of revised policy on giving medication to students.
📋 Proposed
Elementary principals present and committee votes on school improvement plans.
📋 Proposed
Review and vote on shifting funds within the school budget.
💬 Discussed
Update on the district's artificial-intelligence taskforce.
📋 Proposed
Final reading and vote on revised policy governing gifts to and solicitations by staff.
📋 Proposed
Final reading and vote on revised school fundraising policy.
📋 Proposed
Final reading and vote on revised policy for parent and booster groups.
📋 Proposed
Topics not anticipated 48 hours in advance.
📋 Proposed
Closed-door discussion regarding school safety.
April 15, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Public comment period at start of meeting.
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve minutes of the April 1, 2026 open session.
📋 Proposed
Review and approval of warrants.
💬 Discussed
Update from student representatives.
💬 Discussed
Presentation on the Reading Buddies program by Ms. Sara Lyons.
📋 Proposed
First reading of revised policy on gifts to and solicitations by staff, coming up April 15.
📋 Proposed
First reading of revised fundraising policy, coming up April 15.
📋 Proposed
First reading of revised policy on relations with parent/booster organizations, coming up April 15.
📋 Proposed
Vote to award the food service contract following the request for proposal, affecting school meal operations.
💬 Discussed
Presentation on school attendance trends by Dr. Brian Ackerman.
📋 Proposed
Vote to appoint the superintendent to the Bi-County Collaborative board of directors.
📋 Proposed
Vote to appoint the superintendent to the READS Collaborative board of directors.
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve the superintendent's year-end performance evaluation.
• Status unclear
Topics not reasonably anticipated 48 hours in advance.
April 1, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Prior meeting minutes approved 3-0.
✅ Approved
Committee approved School Expense Warrant of $330,855.29 (March 18) and School Payroll Warrant of $1,156,339.56 (March 19).
💰 $330,855.29 expense; $1,156,339.56 payroll
💬 Discussed
Committee unanimously favored the new caption 'Learn. Grow. Achieve.' replacing 'Excellence. Tradition. Pride.' for district branding.
💬 Discussed
Student Advisory Council developed a 'L-A-N-C-E-R' learner framework and proposed a student poster art contest dubbed 'The Lancer Way.'
✅ Approved
Committee voted 4-0 to open 10 Grade 9 and 5 Grade 10 School Choice slots plus staff/siblings; no new elementary choice spots due to budget and low kindergarten enrollment.
💰 $5K revenue per choice student; ~$1.5M received, $1.2M expected spending
💬 Discussed
District plans to keep current school/grade configuration but shift to earlier middle/high start times and staggered elementary times, moving to a more efficient two-tier busing model for fall 2027.
💰 Minimal cost; one or two added buses
💬 Discussed
A possible level-funded FY27 budget would be $1,632,514 below the proposed budget, potentially cutting 8-10 positions, elementary sections, and extracurriculars; public hearing April 27 when town budget goes public.
💰 $1,632,514 potential reduction
💬 Discussed
Dr. O'Neill received 'Proficient' in almost every category in her End-of-Cycle Summative Evaluation.
💬 Discussed
Register children turning five on or before August 31 at norton.12.ma.us under student registration.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned 7:48 p.m.; next meeting April 15, 2026.
April 1, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Open period for residents to address the committee.
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve prior open session minutes.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of payment warrants.
📋 Proposed
Update from student representatives.
📋 Proposed
Recognition of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council.
💬 Discussed
Review of updated district mission, vision, and core values presented by Dr. O'Neill.
💬 Discussed
Discussion of draft district learning goals framework.
📋 Proposed
Vote on whether to accept out-of-district students through School Choice, affecting enrollment and revenue.
💬 Discussed
Discussion of a study reviewing district structure and grade/school alignment.
💬 Discussed
Discussion of planned budget cuts for fiscal year 2027.
📋 Proposed
Discussion and vote on the superintendent's performance evaluation.
📋 Proposed
Topics not reasonably anticipated 48 hours in advance.
April 1, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Open floor for residents to address the committee.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of bill payment warrants.
📋 Proposed
Update from student representatives.
📋 Proposed
Presentation highlighting the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council.
💬 Discussed
Coming up April 1: review of updated district mission, vision, and core values.
💬 Discussed
Coming up April 1: discussion of the district's draft Portrait of a Learner.
📋 Proposed
Coming up April 1: committee decides whether Norton will accept out-of-district students through school choice next year.
💬 Discussed
Coming up April 1: discussion of a study examining how schools and grades are organized across the district.
💬 Discussed
Coming up April 1: discussion of proposed cuts to the fiscal 2027 school budget.
📋 Proposed
Coming up April 1: committee discusses and votes on the superintendent's performance evaluation.
📋 Proposed
Topics not reasonably anticipated 48 hours in advance.
March 18, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Approved with a correction noting the proposed FY27 Special Education Budget reflects a .47% increase over FY26.
✅ Approved
Reviewed and approved school expense warrant of $633,517.24 and payroll warrants of $1,213,947.03 and $1,120,876.78.
💰 $633,517.24 expense; $1,213,947.03 and $1,120,876.78 payroll
💬 Discussed
Students reported record DECA competition results, ELA MCAS prep underway, upcoming parent-teacher conferences, and Scholastic Book Fair.
💬 Discussed
Four NHS students recognized for Massachusetts Scholastic Art Awards; NHS Art Show set for April 28 at 5:30 pm in the cafeteria.
✅ Approved
Approved two student travel trips—Austria/Germany/Switzerland in April 2028 and Australia in June 2029—funded by participating families, not the District.
💰 Cost borne by participating families; no District cost
❌ Denied
Proposal to anonymously survey students on mental health, substance use, and safety failed on a 2-2 tie; Schleicher felt surveys cross into family matters.
✅ Approved
Approved new teachers' contract with 2.5% raises in years one and two and 2.75% in year three, plus a restructured salary grid to improve recruitment.
💰 COLA of 2.5%/2.5%/2.75% over three years
💬 Discussed
Committee members will complete summative evaluations of Dr. O'Neill by March 27, with final compilation presented at the April 1 meeting.
✅ Approved
Accepted Moschella's resignation effective March 5; a joint Select Board and School Committee vote will appoint a replacement for the remaining one-year term.
💬 Discussed
Norton Community STEAM Showcase set for March 19, 6:00-7:30 pm in the NHS gymnasium, with activities for K-8 students.
📍 NHS gymnasium
March 18, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Public comment period.
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Review and approval of warrants.
💬 Discussed
Update from student representatives.
💬 Discussed
Recognition of Norton High students' Scholastic Art Awards, presented by Mrs. Robin Lewicki.
📋 Proposed
Presentation and vote on proposed 2028 student travel trips to Germany and Australia, coming up March 18.
📋 Proposed
Discussion and vote on youth health surveys for students, coming up March 18.
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve the Norton Teachers Association contract, coming up March 18.
💬 Discussed
Overview of the superintendent evaluation process by Dr. Jennifer O'Neill.
📋 Proposed
Vote to accept the resignation of School Committee member Audrey Moschella, coming up March 18.
• Status unclear
Topics not reasonably anticipated 48 hours in advance.
March 18, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Open period for residents to address the committee.
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Routine approval of bill payments.
💬 Discussed
Update from student reps.
💬 Discussed
Recognition of Norton High students for Scholastic Art Awards.
📋 Proposed
Presentation and vote on proposed 2028 student trips abroad to Germany and Australia.
💬 Discussed
Presentation on youth health survey results.
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve the teachers' union contract, which affects district payroll and budget.
💬 Discussed
Dr. O'Neill outlines the superintendent evaluation process.
📋 Proposed
Vote to accept the resignation of School Committee member Audrey Moschella.
• Status unclear
Topics not anticipated 48 hours in advance.
March 4, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Prior meeting minutes approved 4-0.
✅ Approved
Approved school expense warrant of $584,061.27 (Feb 11) and payroll warrant of $1,153,674.03 (Feb 5).
💰 $584,061.27 expense; $1,153,674.03 payroll
💬 Discussed
Students reported school activities, sports, and literacy events; four students received academic excellence awards.
✅ Approved
Approved 4-0 a $38,734,183 FY27 budget, a 4.4% ($1.63M) increase; special education is $16,935,082 and $1.7M of School Choice funds will be used.
💰 $38,734,183 total budget; 4.4% / $1.63M increase
💬 Discussed
Consultant recommended keeping current grade alignment and school assignments, rejecting a paired-school model due to costs; proposed a two-tiered bell schedule grouping middle/high school in Tier 1 and elementary in Tier 2.
💬 Discussed
Completed projects include LGN library carpet/flooring ($25,000), NMS fire alarm migration ($175,000), and NHS stage flooring ($25,000); ongoing work includes NMS security ($87,000) and $50,000 for middle school access road paving.
💰 $25,000; $175,000; $25,000; $87,000; $50,000
📍 Norton schools
💬 Discussed
Superintendent will host a virtual community forum March 11 on the middle school roof project, a ballot question on April 11 and presented at the May 18 Town Meeting.
📍 399 Old Colony Road (READS)
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.; next meeting March 18, 2026.
February 11, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Prior meeting minutes approved 4-0.
✅ Approved
School Expense Warrant of $424,510.68 (Jan 28) and Payroll Warrant of $1,157,806.15 (Jan 22) approved for the public record.
💰 $424,510.68 expense; $1,157,806.15 payroll
💬 Discussed
Students reported on winter athletics, NMS Drama Club, HAY's $24,000 fundraiser, and recognized NHS senior Taylor Collins for making the US Youth Futsal Team.
✅ Approved
Committee accepted four grants totaling $182,000, including a $75,000 Fair Share Earmark for math/science curriculum and funds for special education, career pathways, and CTE programs.
💰 $50,000 + $47,000 + $10,000 + $75,000 grants
✅ Approved
Committee approved warrant article language to borrow $11,443,631.00 for the middle school roof at 215 W. Main St, funded via a debt exclusion that temporarily raises taxes until paid off; MSBA reimbursement reduces the town's share.
💰 $11,443,631.00 borrowing; temporary tax increase via debt exclusion
📍 Norton Middle School, 215 W. Main St
💬 Discussed
Dr. O'Neill reviewed progress on FY2026 goals: instructional practice and equitable access have advanced, while communication/visibility goals have been slower.
✅ Approved
Revised Meal Charge policy approved 5-0 with no changes from the first reading.
💬 Discussed
Proposed FY27 budget carries a 4.4% increase (~$1.63M), bringing level-service budget to ~$38.7 million; salary obligations drive costs while special-ed placement savings offset; official budget hearing set for March 4.
💰 ~$38.7M budget; 4.4% (~$1.63M) increase
💬 Discussed
Governor's proposed state budget offers only a 1.2% ($157,800) increase, insufficient for the projected $1.6M in additional needs; a new Dean of Students role was discussed.
💰 $157,800 state aid increase vs. $1.6M needs
💬 Discussed
Negotiating team reached a tentative agreement with the Norton Teachers Association, pending ratification and Committee approval; mediation no longer needed.
💬 Discussed
Members reported on a DESE district review meeting and concerns about Chapter 70 state funding levels.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.; next meeting March 4, 2026.
January 28, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Teachers union (NTA) members criticized the district for filing for state mediation, claiming the two sides were not at an impasse and were still exchanging offers; paraprofessionals also argued they're worth more than the offered 60-cent raise.
💰 2.5% COLA increase referenced; paras dispute 60-cent raise offer
✅ Approved
Minutes of the January 14 open session and January 21 joint meeting with the Select Board were approved.
✅ Approved
Warrants totaling $465,360.73 dated January 14, 2026 were reviewed and approved.
💰 $465,360.73
✅ Approved
Approved use of H.A. Yelle Elementary and Norton High School grounds for the Norton Veterans Council Carnival on June 25–28, 2026, including Founders Day, fireworks, and a car show.
📍 H.A. Yelle Elementary & Norton High School
💬 Discussed
First proposed level-service budget of $38,793,654, up 4.56%, presented; includes $15,275,210 mandated education and $23,518,444 general education, plus two new staff positions. Full budget workshop set for February 11.
💰 $38,793,654 total, up 4.56%
💬 Discussed
Updated EFD meal charge policy reflecting current Massachusetts guidelines presented; no vote required at this time.
✅ Approved
Approved Version 3 calendar: school starts before Labor Day, in session on Election Day, half-day before Thanksgiving restored, tentative last day June 15.
💬 Discussed
Student reps reported on winter sports, fundraisers, and new LGN playground equipment coming over April break; NMS Project 351 Ambassador Teddy Watson was recognized.
✅ Approved
Committee adjourned at 6:57 p.m. into executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy, not returning to open session.
January 14, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Parents and teachers urged the district to settle a fair contract, citing missing cost-of-living raises, rising health insurance costs, and salaries lagging nearby districts.
✅ Approved
Prior minutes approved 3-0-1.
✅ Approved
Committee approved expense warrants of $372,463.64 (Dec 10) and $626,596.91 (Jan 8), plus payroll warrants of $1,300,623.70, $1,156,567.24, and $1,232,085.69.
💰 $372,463.64 and $626,596.91 expense; ~$3.69M payroll
💬 Discussed
Updates on winter sports, DECA medalists, NMS basketball and Alice in Wonderland production, the HAY Boosterthon Glow Run (Jan 30, $20,000 goal), and elementary activities.
💬 Discussed
Overview of the state's new high school graduation framework, with Norton senior Annabelle Griffith recognized for serving on the statewide council.
💬 Discussed
Social studies teacher honored on the 2025 Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll for his teaching and founding of the C2 Foundation.
✅ Approved
Approved 4-0; a one-semester elective for grades 10-12 placing students as peer interns supporting special education, requiring no additional staffing.
✅ Approved
Approved 4-0; a full-year capstone course for grades 11-12 covering marketing, finance and personal finance, with free AP Summer Institute training in year one.
✅ Approved
Approved 3-0-1; Norton Youth Baseball Softball will install removable, seasonal dugout shades, fully funded and maintained by NYBS at no district cost.
💰 Fully funded by NYBS
📍 J.C. Solmonese field
✅ Approved
Approved 4-0; grants totaling $9,242 awarded to staff for 3D printers ($742), cameras/printers ($2,000), a sublimation printer ($3,500), and speech/language tech ($3,000).
💰 $9,242 in grants
🔄 Postponed
Vote tabled to January 28; two options debated given the late Sept 7 Labor Day, plus a proposed extended Thanksgiving break with school closed Wed-Fri.
💬 Discussed
Review of statewide and district MCAS performance from 2014-2025; discussion raised concerns about testing fatigue, class sizes, and prior cuts of 29 positions.
💬 Discussed
Member Schleicher read a statement criticizing the Massachusetts Teachers Association rep's influence and urging a fair contract without putting the district in financial crisis.
✅ Approved
Adjourned 4-0 at 7:38 p.m.; next meetings Jan 21 (joint with Select Board) and Jan 28.