All right, folks. We are going to call the meeting to order. It is now 6 o'clock. We're going to start with the pledge of allegiance. I >> alian to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right, folks. We're going to begin the public comment period of this meeting. Those who wish to address this meeting, please step up to the podium. Uh identify yourself, your address, and
or your association. Uh for example, if you are a teacher, please let us know. Um any public comments should be under 3 minutes and will be addressed through the chair. Okay. Moving on to the next is vote to approve
the minutes of the March 4th open session meeting. >> Has everyone had a chance to review those? >> Yes. >> Any questions, comments, edits? >> Um, I had a question. >> Okay. >> Um, and I don't know if maybe it was just on mine or not. Um, but under the
budget, where is it? >> Do you have a page number? >> That's what I'm looking for. Uh, yes. Page four. Does everyone have a decimal point in front of the 47%. >> Yes. >> Yes. So that shouldn't be correct. Is it
Am I Is that you see it? >> Yeah. I'm sorry. I'm just processing what it actually says. >> So >> So I think it's a 47 increase on the budget like on the budget sector, but I'll work we'll fix that.
>> Okay. Just want to make sure that that I wasn't sure if that was supposed to be there or not. >> It's I mean that's definitely not the percentage of the budget, but I believe that's the percentage. And of course, I don't have >> my other thing with me, but let me look. >> Yep, we can fix that. >> Okay. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Anything else, Laura? >> No, that was all I saw.
>> Okay. Um, entertain a motion to approve the minutes with the edit as commented. >> So moved. Second. >> All those in favor? >> I I >> That is 320. Uh warrants please Justine. >> Um I have reviewed the following. School
expense warrant March 4th 2026 633,51724 school payroll warrant February 19th 2026 1,213,947 and3 March 5th 2026 1,120,876.78 I've reviewed and approved and wish to
enter them into public record. >> Thank you very much. Next, we have our student representative update with Benson and Leah. Hey guys. >> Thank you. Hi. Um, so from the high school this week, uh, this past weekend, Norton High School DECA competed in DECA
states in Boston. Over 4,000 students competed and Norton High DECA had a record-breaking year. We had 21 students make it to the top 12 in their category. Of those students, 18 qualified for ICDC in Atlanta, which is almost double the highest numbers of students we have ever
had qualify for ICDC. Our students represented our school with incredible pride and spirit. A special thank you to our adviserss Rachel Pilot, Jen Scronic, and Bobby Portway who worked diligently with our students to prepare them for this competition. We also had Mr. NHS last week, which was a huge, huge
success. We had 20 contestants, and they did a great job showcasing their talents and making us laugh. Special thanks to adviserss Michelle King, Kim Bray, and Bobby Portway, and the class of 2026 for organizing this event. Also, a shout out to our MC's Eric Green, and Jesse Shaughnessy as they provided a lot of
entertainment and laughs. Um, and from the Yale, March is our annual ELA MCCAST focus period during daily 40-minute Lancer learning time block. Students are group based on data and receive targeted support and reading comprehension, test taking strategies, and writing with textual evidence. This small group
instruction allows teachers to meet students needs in real time and ensures strong preparation through intentional review and close reading. Next week also brings the HP PTO spring scholastic bookf fair with grade 5 attending on Tuesday, March 24th and grade 4 on Wednesday, March 25th during assigned
class blocks. We are grateful to the HP PTO volunteers for organizing and running this event. Um, spring parent teacher conferences will also be held March Wednesday, March 25th in the evening and Thursday, March 26th following the half-day early dismissal. The book fair will be open during conferences for families. Many
classrooms will also participate in student le conferences, allowing students to reflect on their learning and take an active role in discussing their progress. And then from the LGN, at the LGN, we are looking forward to visiting families during our parent teacher conferences next Wednesday and
Thursday. Our third graders are getting ready for ELA MCAST on April 6th and 7th. Our kindergarteners have a special t-shirt tie-dye event coming up on Friday, March 27th in celebrating in celebration of being the class with the most money raised during the big heart hustle in the fall. Thanks to PTC and
Miss Kabat for coordinating. Can't wait to see the results. And that is all from us today. Thank you. >> Thanks, guys. All right. Next, we have our student spotlight with the Norton High School Scholastic Art Awards with Miss Luiki.
Come on down. Hi everyone. I'm Robin Liki, the coordinator of the high school fine arts department, and I'm here to celebrate and recognize the students who won this year's Massachusetts Scholastic Art Awards. But before I start, I just want to say that I'm proud of all my students
who put themselves out there and applied. We will be traveling tomorrow to Tus University to enjoy the Gold Key exhibit on a field trip. So, that's exciting. Next slide. This first piece is uh he couldn't make
it today by uh Jonah Ferrero. He earned a silver key. He's an AP drawing student and in the 12th grade. This work is entitled EJ25. It is an engine closeup of an engine um that he and his father have been working on together.
Next slide. Hold on one second, Mrs. Liki. >> There we go. >> Okay. Um, Lucy Parakio earned a silver key and she's going to come up and talk about her artwork. Hi, my name is Lucy Paracio and I
created this work in art 3. Um, I'm a senior. Um, this was my first time using chalk and charcoal and throughout the project it became my favorite medium to work in and because it creates a challenge every day for me. >> Stay there, Lucy.
>> Um, I actually we um Mrs. Liki and I have some certificates for the kids here. So, this is um from the school of the museum of fine arts at TUS University. We are pleased to present this silver key to Lucy Prachio for her skull drawing. So congratulations to Lucy.
>> Picture. >> Congratulations. Okay, next slide. Um, this artwork is by Tanya Andred. Um, she earned an honorable mention for the Scholastic Art Awards and she's going to come up and say a few words. Yeah, my name is Tana Andrred. Much like
the rest of my projects, I decided to procrastinate on my skeleton hand. Two backto-back allnighters later, I turned in my drawing the day the term was ending and still somehow won an award. >> Well done. I love the honesty.
>> Congratulations, Tanya. I appreciate the honesty. It looks amazing. Um, this one here is from the school museum of fine arts at TUS. We are pleased to present this honorable mention to Tanya Andred for her skeleton hand. Congratulations.
never had it before. >> Yeah. >> I believe so. I think so. Thank you. >> And finally, we have Ryan Krisco, who also earned an honorable mention for the Scholastic Art Awards. >> Hi, I'm Ryan Krisco. Um, I'm also a
senior and usually my preferred medium is graphite, but uh so this chalk and charcoal challenged me, but it made me appreciate it more when it was finished and I'm honored to receive this. CONGRATULATIONS, RYAN. Very nice. Oh, you got the
handshake on the first try, too. All right, let's do >> It's like practice for graduation. >> It's exactly like practice for graduation. >> Incredible. >> Next slide, Pam. Oh, and I just wanted to say I want to take this opportunity to say a big thank
you to um Norton need for supporting the fine arts program. Um they honored us with two potterers wheels and has changed the whole experience in the classroom. So instead of someone just having one chance, now they can have three or four chance chances. And I just
feel like the whole you know 3D program is just enriched. So I just want to take this time to say thank you to Norton need. Next slide. And then I would like to invite everyone to our annual art show. We have nailed down a date which is Tuesday, April 28th
from 5:30 to 7:30 in the high school cafeteria. It's free admission and there are snacks and we'd love to see you all there. will be there. >> Pete will be there. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Um, incredible work by all of you. It's
so amazing to number one have you here to join us tonight, but also to see the art pieces um that won an award as well. So, thank you all for sharing them with us and for coming out tonight. Um truly incredible, incredible artwork.
I'm just amazed and blown away. So, thank you to all of you and congratulations. >> Thank you. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. I just these pictures were phenomenal that they actually looked like photographs when I walked by and they were on the floor over there. I
that's what I assumed they were at first. Like to know that these were char chalk and charcoal and other mediums is just I mean it's incredible work. I hope you guys are very proud of yourselves. And um even if it was last minute, they came out absolutely phenomenal.
Impressive. Um, so congratulations again. >> I love that. Have a great time. >> All right. Next, we have the presentation on the global education trips uh with Miss Tanelli and Miss
Denelli. >> Good evening. Um, I'm Jen Tenelli. Um I'm one of the adviserss for the global education club. Um and I've been going on trips and planning the trips um pretty much since it started um with Dr. O'Neal. Um so in 2028 we are proposing
to go to um Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Um some of the highlights include um a Sound of Music tour um which I don't know if the kids will appreciate as much as I will, but I will absolutely love that. Um and um also
getting um to go on a tour of one of the concentration camps which I think um will just be so moving um and I think really important in today's world. Um so I think that this trip is a really good mix of history, culture um and music um
which you know we haven't gone to this part of um Europe yet so I think it'll be really really fun for the students. Um, this would be April vacation of 2028. And the cost per student is just over
$4,600. Um, if we started um, having students sign up now, it would be just under $200 a month. Um, which is affordable um, for this kind of trip. Um, again, this
covers all of the travel costs, two meals a day, um, all of the hotels. Um this covers um the global travel protection um and then some of the other um extensions um that we usually um check in with families and make sure
they're okay with the costs of um well could be an additional cost, but usually we check in with families um unless there's something that we really feel like is really necessary for um students to get um that um tour. Um so for instance, this one has the Sound of
Music tour. It's about $50 extra dollars and then a waltz dancing um lesson for $50 as well, which if you're in Vienna, why not learn how to waltz? Um and that's my opinion. Um and then in um 2029, we would like to do a summer tour
um to Australia. Um so we were going to plan on June of 2029 simply because of obviously the flight is extremely long um and it would be a 12-day tour. That's the u minimum that it would be. Um so we would fly into Melbourne. Um then we
would go to and I have no idea how to pronounce this. I it looks like Karen, but I think it's pronounced something different. >> And then um Sydney. Thank you, Peter. >> Um we'll go to Sydney. Um and then we would also with this tour, one of the highlights was um getting to spend one
day with an Aborigin tribe. um which I think is just a huge experience that um not a lot lot of people get to um participate in and that was one of the newer um sightseeing op opportunities for EF. So we really liked this
itinerary. Um this price is I think it was just under 6,000. Um and that was when we were looking at it for 2028. So it's it potentially could go up. Um, so we probably would be looking at booking or
having students be able to book this um, early next year just to make sure that the pricing was um, reasonable for them. Um, cuz we know a lot of our students work and pay for it themselves. Um, even with repeat travelers um, these students just love this uh, the experience and
usually students that go once want to go on every trip available that they can. So, um, we like to book as far out as possible to make it as affordable, um, and to make sure that as many students can come as possible. So, >> I don't know if anyone has any questions, but
>> I think I I was going to say I think you're running out of places in Europe to go. >> We are. >> Um, >> I mean, personally, I have u a graduating senior that's been on going on her third one. Um, you know, the cost
can scare a lot of people, but um, if you sign up early, you get some credits. Some people do some fundraising and you just kind of set up that debit account and you just, you know, I have, you know, my senior paid for this trip currently all by yourself. So, it can be
done. Um, these are great opportunities for the kiddos because the way I always wait it out is if you book this like on your own, you're you're not getting this rate. So, um, >> you know, I think it's important that that kids get these these cultural
things, but, um, that being said, I I, you know, wish them the best of luck with with these. >> Can I just ask a quick question? So, April 2028 was Europe, meaning Germany,
Switzerland, Austria. Correct. >> Was it summer of 29 or summer of 28? >> Summer of 29. So, um, our goal, we've had a couple years, the past few years where we've had two trips available. Um, and we're just not getting enough enrollment >> that we think we feel like one trip a
year is more than enough. Um, so our goal is next year we're going to um, uh, Miss Briquette's leading a small tour to Peru. Um, and then we're doing also um, Paris and Barcelona. Um, so our goal is to every third year make sure we're going to either a Spanish speaking or
French-sp speakaking or both um country to keep the language um um classes relevant and going and just as a good incentive. Um and so yeah, we think that one trip per year gives like a nice big trip um opportunity for a lot of teachers to be able to experience it as
well. So >> great. And then um how do students sign up? How does it selected kind of what does that process look like for someone who might want to go? >> Sure. Um so we will have um a meeting at the high school um at some point um if
the trips passed by you guys um where parents can come learn about um we usually will do just one trip at a time. So that we'll start with the Europe trip in 2028. Um and we'll have um a website um set up for students that want to sign up. um they'll sign up with um a small
down payment and then set up how they want to pay all through EF. So all the payments are handled through EF. We don't touch any of the payments or anything like that. Um and then usually um there's a window of like you know when they can sign up. Um we did a
double bus tour to Greece last year um and that was fun but it was a lot of students >> so we think that we would like to cap it at one bus. Um, but I'm thinking that the especially Australia is going to have a lot of interest. So, we'll have
to I guess think about that as we get closer to it. Um, cuz this I mean we've we've had great students and we've had great experiences. But, um, but yeah, there's the signups are all online. Um, and then there are also just talking um, what Dan was saying about fundraising,
there's a fundraising page that each student gets. So they can like let their um families or friends know like hey instead of giving me a birthday gift donate $25 and it goes right to their trip which is an awesome I think um way of getting some of their trip paid for instead of getting you know a gift card
it'll go to their trip. >> So by like one bus we talking like a coach bus like give or take 50 kids. >> Yes. >> Okay. And then what is our general ratio from adults to students on these trips? For every six students, we have one
chaperone. And sometimes um we air on the side of caution and have a little bit more um for adults. And we always um have an administrator join us on the trip. >> And are those adults all Norton public school staff members? >> Correct.
>> Got it. Yeah. School committee can't go. I already tried. >> Um I think the um the question about the chaperone. So EF allows one chaperone to travel for free for every six students. So that actually works out great cuz
it's not a cost to the students. It's not a cost to the district. Um which really really helps. And you know, as Miss Tenelli said, it it's actually a great ratio. It's it's not you know, I've traveled um as a chaperone in the past. We do always have an administrator on the tours as well. Um just so someone
can you know stay behind, make a hard decision if you know someone is ill or or something happens. It's you know someone has a credit card and can make a hard call. So I mean it's a great opportunity for students. So, and I'm assuming this is
covered somewhere in the EF tour stuff, but we're obviously, you know, live in a crazy world that god forbid something happens here and we need to cancel, we get full refund, kids get full refunds. How does that all work? >> Um, since co there have been a lot of updates with their policies. Um, so I
could absolutely get that information to you. Um I don't know what there there are certain things that are 100% covered and then there are parts of um like there's the global protection plan that's that is in in the cost of what students are paying for um that pays for
most things. Um I know EF actually was having a difficult time with families during the co situation. And um and I'm sure maybe you guys have heard about some of it, but um where you know things were cancelled and families weren't getting 100% of their um what they had
spent back or but they were able to do um like transfer it to another trip or things like that. So I actually I think that's a great thing that I need to look at. Um I have not been on a trip since Greece, so I haven't been planning the the next two trips. So, um, whatever. I
had them all really rehearsed before and they're all out of my brain right now, but I can definitely get that sent to you. Um, and I think too, um, Mr. Telli, um, what happens to, so for example, they have, um, you know, a contact 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and they
have offices all over the world. Um, so there was, you know, may remember there was a Paris bombing several years ago. Um, they had groups in Paris. they immediately rerouted all of those kids, all of those tourists, people that were supposed to be coming into Paris, um
they really, you know, because of their their network and just their mass buying power to kind of pivot pretty quickly. And so, um there have been situations where they'll say, "Okay, you know, we're not necessarily going here right now." Um but we are going to be doing X,
Y, and Z instead. And then you work with the students and the families and um if the family is not interested in whatever the new um new trip is, they'll offer typically a transfer or or some sort of a refund. Um but most times it's it's
able to kind of work out. So um I also think it's important that earlier this year you all approved our updated global um actually I believe it was it's not a global travel handbook. It's like an overnight travel handbook. So there are components of good standing
that go into being eligible to travel and and other things as well. Um we run a pretty tight ship on the global trips um in terms of you know student safety and behavior. Um and you know nine times out of 10 they are you know great
representatives of Norton public schools. So >> I knew I was forgetting a question. Thank you Dr. O'Neal. I knew that was part of it. Yeah, I think that the the biggest thing that I can say is that I keep wanting to lead these trips because our students are constantly praised for being like awesome everywhere we go. Um,
and I think that's saying something for all of these amazing places and museums and, you know, great cultured cities that they're getting praised for this. And, um, the EF tour leaders that work with us say the same thing. So, um, and they're genuine when they're saying it.
you know, we can tell that they've had some um maybe nightmare groups and we're not that. So, um so yeah, I mean it's it's an amazing experience. um for all of the things that maybe we could point out some negative things for sure going on in the world. I think EF handles it
by making sure that we have um backups, different places that we could go that are safe um and also ensuring that they stay ahead of um what's going on in there in the world by having people in every city pretty much that we're going to.
cuz I know Nick like one example with the trip to Greece last week uh last year. >> Um >> yeah, I wish it was last week too. Um they knew the group was going to get there like early in the day and they couldn't get into the hotel so they like rented like cabanas near a beach so that the kids could just go and relax and
things like that. But as far as the refund, >> it was actually Easter Sunday. We got Easter Sunday and Greek Easter actually fell on the same day which was very strange. So like almost nothing was open which and we had a great time at the beach. >> It was beautiful. >> Yeah. >> I mean I remember you know my my other
child there was like a non-refundable deposit during co but um you know the fine print got a lot of people but it is what it is but I think they've updated those recently. So but >> questions. >> Okay. And then my just to reiterate so
we have 48 kids go that means we get eight adults chaperones for free. The administrator is also free or is that costing the district money >> that we count the administrator as one of the chaprons? >> They're one of the chaps. >> So like you have a group and >> so just so when we hear this in public
again from a public standpoint, we spend zero money >> from the town of Norton's budget to go on this trip. >> Yes. >> Correct. >> Yep. >> Okay. Anything else? >> All right. I will uh entertain a motion to approve the education trips as
presented. >> So moved. Second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> I >> stay safe. >> Thank you. Have fun. >> Okay. Uh next we have our discussion and vote on youth health surveys with Mrs.
Brown and Mrs. Brown. >> Hi, I'm Dorian Brown. and I'm the coordinator of health services. So, as a wellness committee, we were discussing putting this survey out again. It's a survey that's usually done every two years. Um, it's it's kind of a long
survey like the high school had 98 questions and the middle school had 90 questions. It's, you know, basically asking questions about, you know, the kids eating habits, exercising, sleeping. Then there's mental health, driving safety, dating safety, bullying,
drinking, drugs, sexual activity, gambling, all kinds of things. And we do um find this information important and helpful to kind of drive our health classes. like say unfortunately Bailey couldn't be here but I know she um really wants this data to figure out
like what the kids are doing and what we need to focus on cuz you know and um it's it is an anominous survey and we um we kind of modified it and got rid of a lot of the stuff that we felt like as a school and as a um
>> district we weren't really interested in like a lot of the demographics and some of the questions that I just thought seemed kind of harsh or a little inappropriate or not important. So, we weedled the high school went from 98 to
84 and the middle school went down quite a bit more from 90 to 63 questions. And um let's see what else I can say. The last time we did the survey in Norton was 2017. So, it was quite a long time ago. And some of the things we did find out
through there is um 75 students said that they were considering seriously considering suicide and self harm. Um there's definitely a risk of over-the-counter and prescription medication abuse. 80% of students had tried marijuana. 44% had tried other
illegal drugs. Um there was moderate risk to binge drinking with a um young onset of age. And there was also kind of a strange perception of how they felt their peers and their parents would feel about their use. >> Dorian, can I ask a clarifying question?
So, the middle school survey, it only op um gives options of seventh or eighth grade. Are we not giving this to the sixth graders? >> Yeah, I think we decided we we didn't want to give it to the sixth graders. They're a little young. >> Thank you. Um and can you talk talk a little bit about the um process for
opting out? Um, what I would do it through parent square and have probably like what what I've done with screening, I have the parents email me and tell me they want to opt out and that way I respond directly to them so they know that I got it and then I would give it to whoever is going to be conducting the
survey at the high school or the middle school. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> What does the uh opt out percentage look like on a on a regular survey or going back to the last one like >> I have no idea. Sorry. It was it was like a long time ago
>> cuz we did at one point try to do an opt-in which was not helpful. I think we only had 20 kids opt in so we didn't end up giving the survey cuz it was not we wouldn't get enough data. >> We've had um some other surveys, mental health surveys and so forth in um out of
the high school you might have 10 to 12 kids whose parents out. Yeah. >> Yeah. not exactly the same uh information, but sometimes similar like our Jed, we just had to do our Jed uh high school survey and I think there
were 10 maybe 11 students that opted out. So, it's not a high number. >> So, I guess on the flip side of that question, what does participation look like? >> Um this year with the change in culture, um we've seen an increase at the high school in participation in our surveys.
um we've been very careful about spreading them out so we're not over surveying if you know what I'm saying. Um so I haven't received we just did the Jed one um they're tabulating it so I haven't received that yet but I would say it's in I would guess somewhere going to be in the 70 to 80s in that
generally it we're hoping fingers crossed >> thank you any questions for Mr. Oh, I Yeah, I have. So, this is generated through Google forms. >> Yes. Bailey and her intern um Ally
Grimes, >> we we converted it into Google form just to make it easier and quicker for the kids to do the survey rather with the paper and pencil. And this will also give us the results quicker, too. So, the reason why I I asked that um because what struck me is particularly when you
mentioned the 75 um students that commented on seriously considering suicide. If there are certain sections on this cuz I thought to myself, okay, so this is a student that could potentially be in crisis. There's questions on here asking about, you know, do you feel safe at home or do you
find that you're in abusive relationship? And obviously, it's anonymous. So I was trying to think of well because it's anonymous how do you reach those particular students that are indicating that they may be in crisis. So I didn't know if because it's a Google form if if they select a certain
thing it could generate to a page that that states you know if you are in crisis this is the hotline number that you could call or um you know if you feel like you are being abused this is the number that you could call or these are the resources you could reach out
to. Um, and then to still try to keep that anonymity. Um, you know, I don't know if there's a way to then somehow forward that to them. Yeah. Hey, Benny, what's up?
>> Question. I think those are great ideas and I don't know how that would work. I'm not good with >> Yeah, just brainstorming. >> I think what we would do to begin with was during the introduction of the survey like why are we taking the survey? How do we communicate all of that? Because we have a we've had lots
of discussions in different formats with especially the high school students who actually want this information. They want to give us this information. They they'll complain about it, but they still want to do it, right? So, that's that's always the thing. I think we would talk um in the in the introduction to why we're doing it into the
communications about it. Uh we would give them the remind them the guidance department is there, remind them that, you know, we're available to them. Also give them the hotline numbers, give them those kinds of that kind of information within the body of the uh email and
directions that go out. >> Okay, >> that's the best way. I mean, if we if we don't do it that way, then it's not anonymous, right? And then we're not getting the information. I think you have to give the kids the information. Um, but what that does for us is gives
us then information about how many students are we looking at. And if we start to do this every two years, we're going to see whether or not some of our our programming that we're doing and our lessons are is it having an impact? And if not, how do we how do we up that? So like our SOS, we have data year to year,
>> you know, um in terms of how the kids are responding. So um I think that would be how I would want it approached is give them information about how to reach out both internally as well as externally. >> Right. Yeah. I was trying to figure out best practice for that.
who um obviously we didn't make up these questions I don't think. Um >> I got it from the Massachusetts Youth Health Survey. >> Okay, that's where it came from. Great. And then um suppose my question so when we do have an opt-in opt out slash whatever um do parents get to see this
ahead of time? >> We can. Yeah, we can link it to the um the parent square email. >> Okay. And then >> my recommendation would be to send an email to families explaining the the reasoning for the survey saying you know
you have the opportunity to opt out if you do not want your child participating. Here is the survey so that they can look at it and review and then you know the process for opting their child out. I would recommend doing that as one cohesive. Since we haven't done this survey since 2017,
I guess my question is is what have we been what have we been teaching for the last 9 years? Why is this information so important at this stage in the game where we haven't done it and we've got got away with it for nine years here and teaching the curriculum and letting Miss
Morris do her do her thing within our health classes. Why do we need this? >> So, a couple of things on on the first question. I think um we already do that with the parents assistant. we send a survey out. It says here's here's a survey like so we just did again I'm just using the Jed because it's the last
one we did here's a survey take a look at it make your decision based on the information so that is kind of our standard practice um there has been other surveys just not as in-depth um I think uh in previous uh school
committees have had questions about some of these so that delayed some of this um we are looking at it using other data but I think this is reallyant important. This is a way to get the students voice, especially at the high school and the middle school. I think it's really
important because times are changing. What they're exposed to is is different than it even was 5 years ago. Um, and how they're responding to that and what they're seeing that maybe we're not is really important data, Nick, to be honest with you. And I agree with you. I
feel like we we need to do this and and for those reasons. Um that we need this information to drive our curriculum, not just our wellness, but some of the the work we do with our our students through and other kinds of uh interventions. How
we set up some of our interventions at the counseling departments and so forth. Some of the partnerships, I think it's going to be important information. some of the people especially now the grants are going to be tighter and tighter and tighter having this information and be able to present it in a grant uh format and how we're using it I think would be
uh beneficial in the long run. >> I also think while we haven't necessarily done it since 2017, the survey is still given annually across the state of Massachusetts. So we're able to see data and see what other students are reporting. Um there's also
a national health survey that is um given each year and we can look at that data as well. So, we are looking at information. It's just not necessarily local to Norton. And so, I think that this is why the wellness and I don't want to speak for the wellness committee. Dorene leads that.
Um, this is why the wellness committee, you know, said we we really should think about bringing this back. So, >> yeah. And Bailey has told me that she has looked at surrounding towns like she she's looked at their results and the general, you know, the results for Massachusetts. And I can I can speak for having a high
schooler and knowing, you know, through middle school the surveys and things that she has completed and done because she talks about those things uh the programming done with um the SRO's and the wellness and all of that that a lot that of what is in here is covered. Um
so I agree that I think having that student voice um will better better fine-tune how much focus goes into those specific areas. But I mean, I know that there's been a lot of coverage on um substance abuse and mental health and um
in all of those pieces. So, yeah, I I see where you're where you're going with this. >> Thank you. >> In 2017, was this also um sent out to the middle school or was that just high school? I think that was just the high school data, but I'm pretty sure the
middle school did it, too, because um I got this information from Nicole Nunes, who was the high school wellness teacher at the time, and she was putting together the program. >> Middle school and high school participated. >> Yeah. >> In in 2017. Yeah. >> Okay. >> So, when you said like 80% said that
they were, you know, using marijuana or exposed or tried it, whatever that was. Um, was that like combined data 80% or like >> for the I think for 9 through 12 it was >> for 9 through 12. Okay. Okay. >> Um, >> and I I think it's also important to
note too that of the students that responded. >> Right. Right. And we don't know how many students responded in >> I couldn't find that data. >> Yep. Okay. >> So, I'm just going to be blunt and honest as always. I sit on the wellness
committee and I didn't want to break hearts and say no to this so I kind of just kept my mouth shut. Um I do see the benefit of having the survey. I do not have my head in the sand and don't believe our kids don't do crazy things as teenagers. I just think we are going
and crossing a very fine line of what school is supposed to look like and what a doctor's office and dentist office and you know counseling services also look like. I understand there are some students in our district who and and families who use schools as a little bit
of a launching pad into these different services. Um, I just feel like a survey like this has a lot of information that I would not want my seventh grader to see. Therefore, I understand I could opt out. Um, my bigger thing is is I think when you start pulling this and
realizing and how many things you get from the schools and on parent square, whether it be classrooms, uh, schools themselves, the district, things are just inundated. And I know I don't read everything. So, if you went and missed this and then I came home and I realized my seven-year-old, my seventh
grader took a survey that has, you know, multiple things around sexual activity, tobacco use, drugs, amphetamines, things that seventh graders shouldn't really need to see. Again, head's not in the sand. Some do. Um, but again, I would
like to point out that most most don't. Um, so again, I think a survey like this, there is some benefit to it. I'm not saying there's not, but rather than me just completely ripping it apart. Um, I would I would probably just kind of keep it in keep this meeting moving and um, you know, I just think there's a lot
more negative things that come out of a survey. And I think we really need to find our points within what we are doing in public schools. We are not Dr. Offices. We are not, you know, there there's things in here. Have you ever had a cavity? What does that matter to a child's education?
It doesn't. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter what the kid looks like. We're gonna we have to educate that child one way or another, you know? So, I just feel like there's things that just it crosses a line. It crosses family lines. I just it just rubs me the wrong way. So, like I said, instead of going through and ripping every single
question apart um you know, and and really kind of skating what I feel cuz I could read more. But I I think it's just to me it's over the top. I don't think it's 100% necessary. We live in a small, you know, suburb of uh in Massachusetts here. we do a little research, take the
survey results that we've had over the last 8 years, you know, take the other the other research and formulate a curriculum around what we can do and I wouldn't get too, you know, dug into family stuff. That's all. >> Okay. Any other questions or comments?
Okay. Uh, are we voting on this? >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. So, entertain a motion to approve the youth health surveys as presented. >> So moved. >> Is there a second?
Second. >> I will second it. All those in favor? >> I >> I. All opposed. I bills. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you.
All right. Next we have the >> Oh, sorry. Uh, next we have the vote to approve the Norton Teachers Association contract. Dr. O'Neal. >> Okay. Um, tonight we have an MOA for all
of you um that has been ratified by the Norton Teachers Association earlier this week. Um, want to thank um the Norton Teachers Association and then uh Nick and Justine who were the school committee representatives on this. Um, this was a long road. We began in
November of 2024 and um are finally coming to an agreement. Um, a few items that I think are worth noting um for the um committee and and for public as a whole. Um first is that this includes a
new um salary grid um for teachers and um other service providers that um kind of evens out the um step increases over time. So the way that it used to work is that um they were vary percentages
between it would be a different percentage between steps three and four than it would be for steps six and seven as it would be for steps eight and nine etc. Um so that was something that um our team felt really strongly about is that we wanted to kind of even it out
over time. Um we also dropped the first two steps at the top so that way we are bringing in new teachers at a um more competitive wage in their first year. Um this is huge for us because number one um it allows us to be more competitive
regionally. Um it's can be very very difficult to get highquality educators or to get teachers here um when you're competing with other more affluent communities. Um and hopefully it also helps us to retain um those educators as well. Um the overall cola was a two and
a half in year one, a two and a half in year two and a 2.75 in year three. Um there are other um adjustments in terms of language, but I think those are probably um the primary drivers that I know people are talking about during a
budget season. So unless Nick or Justine want to share anything, um that's it. I don't know if I can sign it. >> No, I don't think I can. >> Um, sorry. >> Sorry. >> Oh, got a lot of papers going here. >> Yeah.
>> Um, yeah. So, no, first and foremost, uh, you know, definitely obviously a long long process. Um, very glad to get them together and kind of get it finalized um, you know, as quickly as we possibly could. Um there's obviously a lot of extenduating factors when it comes into these things, but you know in
the uh in the year we we got squared away with Jen, our custodians, our admin uh assistants, and then our teachers as well. So um you know, it's definitely been a lot over the last year or so. Uh thank the teachers, thank the bargaining committee. Um you know, like I said, there's some tough decisions, but when
it all does come together, it does feel like you kind of accomplish something together, which is great. Um I think my biggest thing is is, you know, now we got this done. We got three years, well, probably two more years until we started again. Um, but at least it goes for a few years. Um, you know, and I think now, you know, we've kind of set up our
our district um with a with an ability to compete um with new teachers um coming in and being, you know, some of the uh highest paid um you know, in in the area. Um that way we can compete with the Mansfields and Foxboros and really make Norton a district that um
you know, our young professionals want to come to and work at. uh while also you know giving you know the the you know thank yous and and uh you know deservingly so the cola raises and step raises and getting the new grid squared away. It does make us more competitive. We should be able to recruit better
teachers. We should be able to retain better teachers. Um you know and ultimately I think a contract like this really does take Norton to the next level. Um and what I mean by that is is we now have the ability to really bring in the best of the best. um you know and if we don't get the best you know that's
when our principles and our and our building uh supervisors and superintendent you know need to really drop drop the hammer and make sure that we are getting the best teachers that we can possibly get um you know so I think ultimately uh huge win you know for the uh you know for the teachers I think a
huge win for the school committee and ultimately I think it's going to be a huge win for the town um you know I'm obviously a big proponent of the budget and trying to figure out how to make this all work um and one of the biggest things you know with the committee well or the subcommittee I guess or negotiations team um was you know how do
we kind of make this all fit what we're trying to do um without completely blowing up our budget and then turning around and laying off 50 people you know the following year. So I think that was a huge hangup and kind of once we kind of got the grid in motion um you know and leveling out those you know the um
the steps and lanes I think it's really going to set us up you know 3 4 5 6 years down the road until someone else changes the grid. So that's where we're at. Um, and like I said, thank you for the teachers, uh, and, you know, the entire NTA for, you know, bargaining with us and and making it into a, uh,
you know, getting it squared away and finalized, um, as soon as we possibly could. >> Okay. Any other comments or questions? >> Um, I would just like to have it noted for public record because I am a member of the MTA, I need to abstain from any
comments or voting on this contract. >> Thank you. Noted. All right. So, entertain a motion to approve the contract as presented. >> So, moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Sorry. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> All abstaining.
>> Oh, me. >> Thank you. >> Um, I do have a question. I don't know if this is going to be for legal. If I need to reach out to NASC, am I allowed to sign said contract? I don't believe so. Go. Thank you. Just want to make sure. >> As long as we have the three, it's fine.
>> Super. All right, next we have our superintendent evaluation process. Dr. O'Neal. >> Okay, so I'm pretty sure I just gave you all my midyear update. So, um, when Mrs. Anderson told me that it was time for this again, I was like, I really don't
have another update for them. Um, so typically we, um, try to do the, um, annual AVL prior to elections in April. So that way we have a committee that has worked with me throughout the course of
the year. Um I am more than happy to put together some last minute updates for you on any of the um items that are on there. Um however there there really isn't that much of a difference between um what we spoke about a few weeks ago. Um and so I also think it's really
important to note that um after this year we will go to an every other year cycle for a Right. Isn't that so exciting for a summit of evaluation? So what will happen is that you will still give me a public formative at the end of
year 1, but we can really probably even we can talk about it as we kind of get to that place and with on the timing of that, but it will only be a summit of evaluation every 2 years. Um, so that gives you guys a little bit more time in
in between and it gives me a little bit more time in between. Um, because the way that the MGL goes is that um in your first 3 years of that new role if you're evaluated every year. So um typically the way that we this works Pam sends you
all um the documents through um email that are Word. You all do your own individual um evaluation, provide feedback and then the chair combines and puts them together into one overall um
evaluation which we will do publicly at our next meeting on April 4th. So um always super fun. >> Oh, sorry. Yes, the 1st. Is that the date? >> Yes. >> Oh, April Fool's Day. How fun is that? >> That's right. I was going to say, are you joking?
>> No, sorry. I just don't know what the date is. Um, so any questions, please let me know. And if there are documents or evidence that the um committee would like to see or individuals like to see, please just let me know. And typically, it's just a matter of sending you um
some files. >> When do you want these by? >> I stole my thunder. Um, so I was thinking if you guys could have them back to me by Friday the 27th, that'll give me the weekend and a few days. So that's about a week and a week and a
couple of days or through that weekend is fine as long as I can present or get them together for that Monday, send them to PM for Wednesday. So um you know I think it's important to note you know and and Nick and I have discussed this and I've done these there's a lot in these but this is what's required for us
to do. This is a requirement from the state. So um you know Jen has done a very good job as far as these are my goals, this is where we're at. um lets us know if you know you know kind of life gets in the way of some of them and and we have to pivot a little bit. So um but a lot of this is a matter of you
know procedure that we have to follow. So uh especially for you Laura I know it's your first time I believe. So let let any one of us know if you have any questions just you know um but it does have to be filled out and and things like that. So we do have it electronically but um send it back to me
electronically and um that should be good. So again, if you could happen to me by the 27th, give or take a day or two, um that'll be great so I can put them together. And just a quick question, I think last year we did when we got the Bam, you
might have already done this, but didn't we have the goals from Jen's information like already built into the performance stuff? That way we were just checking it off and like hypothetically student learning goal, all of like all four of ours matched. And then we voted
on it. Was that true or am I completely making that up? >> Okay. Because I remember putting it together last year and I think >> in the comments >> and I think I think everybody's goals like matched. So then it was easy to be like cuz it's weird if like her student
learning goal that she interpreted from Jen is different from Justine's that's different from mine. And then it's like met met but like is it really met or is it should be exceeded like whatever. So, I I thought we did something like that, but maybe I'm dreaming it. I don't know. >> I I think Jen was just so organized that
it was very easy to know what goals went where >> where the prior year >> it was uh I think we did it after I was on and I was so confused on what >> to do in general. So, but since you have
started this has been much smoother. >> Well, Mrs. Anderson says and I can take a look at it and um that's a very easy thing to do. So we'll get that to all of you. >> Great. Okay. >> And I hate this form for the record because it's from Desi and it doesn't
match what we do as a district, but I always like to say it because we're supposed to evaluate our own superintendent and we don't need Desi to tell us how to do that. So that's my just my little stab at Desi yet again. >> Thanks, Nick. >> All right.
>> All right. Um so next is we have had a member of the Norton school committee submit their resignation. Um so this was sent to the town clerk as well as myself and Dr. O'Neal. Um so essentially I will read
the letter of resignation says dear town clerk please accept this letter as my formal resignation from the position of member of the school committee for the town of Norton effective March 5th 2026. Um, it has been an honor to serve the residents of this community and support the students, families, educators, and
staff of our district. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside my fellow committee members, and town officials in helping guide the policies and priorities of our schools. Due to my new residents out of town, I unfortunately have to step down at this time. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I wish the school committee and
the district continued success in the important work ahead. Sincerely, Audrey Mashella. Um so this was um something we received pretty much right right around the last meeting. Um so personally I want to you
know thank Audrey for her time here. Um you know she was she was a valued member of the committee as are the rest of our remaining four members. Um obviously you know we know it is election season so there was no way possible to have this on the ballot or
an election. So the policy and the process based on the town charter will be to uh there'll be a joint appointment made by the remainder of the school committee and the board of selectmen. Um so we will book that at a later date. We
have to work on the schedules but it will most likely be more than likely after the upcoming town meeting. Um so we will put out um basically it would be if someone is interested they would submit a letter of intent and a letter of interest uh to be voted on and
approved and and that is how the process would go for an appointment to have our fifth member. Um so that is kind of the policy and the process and we will have more information out coming with that uh once we get the meeting on the books with the select board. Uh are there any
other members with comments or questions? Just a just a point the after we appoint someone it would last for one year and then that it would fill Audrey's last year on the committee. So then that whoever got appointed would have to run for election in April 27th.
>> Correct. >> Correct. Um I just want to thank Audrey um myself. Um it was wonderful to work with her. I'm glad we still have um Viv and Dante here so we still get to see her and see her children. Um, and we do
have a small token of her appre of appreciation for her which I will make sure she receives. So, thank you. >> Okay. >> Um, respectfully, I entertain a motion to accept the resignation of Audrey. >> So moved. Second.
>> All those in favor? >> I. >> A reluctant I. >> Okay. Thank you, Audrey. We appreciate you. Uh, next we have any other business not reasonably anticipated.
>> I have one item, but if anyone else has anything. >> I have one item, too. Um, I have a just a gentle reminder um that tomorrow night is the Norton Community Steam Showcase, which will be held at Norton High School um in the gym there from 6:00 to 7:30.
Um this is a community event showcasing student work and local businesses connecting Norton students with organizations in steam. Um there are fun steam activities for students in K to8. So we hope that um families will come out and join us tomorrow night. Not >> Peter will be there.
>> Peter will be there. And I had the same gentle reminder. So look at us. >> All right. All right. Uh any other business for the meeting? Okay. Entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved.
>> Is there a second? >> I second. Sorry. >> You want to run it back? You looked at me so quickly. >> All those in favor? I I >> Thank you everybody. Have a great night.