Stoughton’s educational landscape faces a significant contraction as Superintendent Joseph Baeta detailed the elimination of 48.2 staff positions during Tuesday’s School Committee meeting. The cuts, which include 11 instructional coaches and reading specialists, come as the district grapples with a $3.4 million budget gap and the recent failure of a $1.2 million funding infusion at Town Meeting. Baeta reported that a motion to add those funds to the school budget failed in a 44-79 vote, leaving the district to reorganize the central office for the third consecutive year. We are looking at a shortfall that affects over 40 positions plus contract services, Baeta stated, noting that the district is currently operating with zero use of free cash. Motion Made by J. Distefano to send quarterly budget updates to the Finance Committee. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The fiscal pressure is driven largely by a staggering rise in Special Education (SPED) costs. Member Jillian Distefano highlighted that out-of-district SPED expenses have nearly doubled over just two years, climbing from $2.6 million to $4 million. To mitigate these costs, the committee approved hiring Kristen Vasconcelos as a new District Registered Nurse specifically for the Gibbons School, where high-acuity medical needs—including students requiring ventilators and tracheostomies—have previously necessitated expensive outside contractors. Director of Nursing Danielle explained that the role is vital to maintain a safe environment and keep students educated in the community rather than sending them to expensive out-of-district placements. Baeta estimated the hire would save the town up to $30,000 annually compared to contracted services. Motion Made by J. Distefano to appoint Kristen Vasconcelos to the District RN position. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The committee also addressed public confusion regarding staffing levels following a letter to the Finance Committee that suggested the district had added 54 new employees. Member Karen Powers asked for clarification on the figure, prompting Baeta to explain that the "new" positions were actually existing staff moved from federal grants into the operating budget to avoid a 9% state penalty on benefits. We did not grow by 50 positions, Baeta clarified. We moved positions that were previously in grants directly into the school budget line items for transparency. In reality, we've only recommended about 6.0 truly new positions in three years. Powers expressed concern over the town's broader financial health, noting, I want to be clear that the town has its own obligations, like the new school debt, which is above regular taxes. We need to ensure we aren't causing a structural deficit.

Amid the grim fiscal news, the district secured a major infrastructure win by approving a contract with Amerisco for a $2.7 million decarbonization project at Wilkins Elementary School. Funded entirely by a Green School Works grant and utility incentives, the project will install a heat pump system and outdoor air ventilation. If you vote no, the grant is essentially lost, Baeta warned, adding that the upgrades are expected to yield over $169,000 in rebates and $6,620 in annual energy savings. Though Powers noted it was difficult to review the 357-page technical contract on short notice, the board moved forward to secure the funding. Motion Made by J. Sears to approve the 20-year service contract with Amerisco for the Wilkins Elementary project. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

In a rare moment of celebration, the committee voted to name the new $900,000 Hanson Elementary playground after Mary Beth Canceleri, a 26-year veteran administrative assistant and former PTO president who is retiring. Hanson Principal Sarah Feeney described Canceleri as one of the best people you would ever meet, noting that over 100 community members eagerly signed the naming petition. My kids went through Hanson, and Ms. Canceleri is a legend, Powers added. This is the first time we've named a facility after an administrative assistant, which is very special. Motion Made by J. Distefano to approve the dedication of the Helen H. Hanson Playground as the Mary Beth Canceleri Playground. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The meeting also featured the presentation of the Superintendent’s Excellence Award to Stoughton High School senior Lina Sonopith. Superintendent-Elect Juliette Miller praised Sonopith as a top-ranking scholar-athlete and leader who plans to study human physiology at Boston University. Miller also presented proposed changes to the student handbook, including a new color-coded AI policy and a warning that a bell-to-bell cell phone ban may be mandated by the state by September 2026. Member Jenn Sears questioned the continued inclusion of Body Mass Index (BMI) testing in the handbook, noting that state associations have recommended its removal. Staff member Charlene, a nurse, countered that BMI is helpful for tracking nutrition imbalances in students on certain medications, though the committee took no formal action on the matter. Motion Made by J. Distefano to table a separate discussion on "inspirational inscriptions" for school buildings due to the ongoing budget crisis. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Finally, Chair Chris Shannon addressed a potential Open Meeting Law violation regarding a physical notice not being placed on a door for a canceled April meeting. I apologize to anyone who came to the door, Distefano said. I was unaware we needed a physical sign on the door. To improve communication with other town boards, the committee formally invited the Finance Committee Chair to attend future budget subcommittee meetings. Motion Made by J. Distefano to invite the Finance Committee Chair or their designee to attend budget subcommittee meetings regularly. Motion Passed (5-0-0).