The Stoughton School Committee ratified a new three-year contract for district teachers on Tuesday, even as leaders issued stark warnings that a town-wide shift in financial policy could lead to the first staff layoffs in nearly two decades. The meeting, which marked the reorganization of the board following local elections, centered on a tension between successful labor negotiations and a looming fiscal cliff driven by the elimination of one-time funding for operating costs.

Superintendent Joseph Baeta reported that the Finance Committee recently voted 10-1 to recommend a $69,245,872 budget to Town Meeting, following a $250,000 allocation shift by the Town Manager. However, Baeta alerted the committee that the town’s decision to stop using free cash to bridge structural deficits—a transition accelerated from seven years to just two—puts the district in a precarious position. Because the district is no longer using free cash, personnel changes or layoffs may be necessary for the first time in 18 years to balance the budget, Baeta stated, noting that final personnel notifications must be issued by June 14.

Member Karen Powers bolstered these concerns by reading a letter from Town Manager Thomas Calter into the record. The letter warned that using one-time revenues to close the School Department’s substantial structural deficit would create long-term instability. Calter wrote that the town will not use one-time funds to close structural deficits. While it may solve a short-term challenge, it creates a well-documented set of long-term financial outcomes. Baeta acknowledged the policy as the town's current direction, despite his personal opposition to the speed of the implementation.

Against this fiscal backdrop, the committee unanimously approved the contract for the Stoughton Teachers Association Unit A for fiscal years 2027 through 2029. Motion Made by J. Sears to ratify the Stoughton Teachers Association Unit A FY 2027-2029 contract. During the discussion, Powers raised questions regarding contract language about teachers staying after school and the use of recess as a disciplinary measure. Baeta responded that there was no change to the 30-minute after-school requirement and affirmed his position that recess should not be taken away for academic reasons or minor behavioral issues, only in cases of harm to self or others. Members Jillian Distefano and Jenn Sears, who served on the negotiating team, praised the union for its candor during the process. Motion Passed 5-0.

The meeting began with a contentious election for the committee's leadership. Powers voiced strong opposition to the re-election of Chris Shannon as Chair, alleging that Shannon had broken established norms and contributed to a polarized environment. I do not believe Member Shannon has done a good job over the last year, Powers said, suggesting a more neutral chair would benefit the town. Shannon defended her leadership, and despite the criticism, the committee voted to retain her in the role. Motion Made by [Member] to elect Chris Shannon as Chair. Motion Passed 5-0.

The committee also welcomed new member Dr. Charlene Hollins, a nurse administrator and professor with two children in the district. Hollins expressed a desire to mend the culture and relationships within the School Committee as she took her seat for the first time. Motion Made by C. Hollins to adjourn the meeting. Motion Passed 5-0.

In a presentation on student well-being, Prevention Coordinator Stephanie Patton shared results from the February 2026 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The data showed that students feel significantly safer and more respected by teachers than in previous years, while substance use rates continue to trend downward. However, Patton highlighted a concerning link between high screen time and mental health struggles. Mental health data showed that while depression and anxiety numbers are beginning to stabilize, screen time remains a concern, she noted, pointing to a correlation between five or more hours of daily screen use and reported anxiety. Powers questioned if high-risk students were accurately represented given a 54% participation rate at the high school, but Baeta argued the data remains vital, noting that reported fights in the district have plummeted from over 100 to fewer than 35 annually.

Regarding the ongoing South School project, the committee received an update on the building naming process. Sears and Distefano reported that the naming subcommittee is weighing community suggestions, including Woodland and Veterans. Powers pointed out a historical imbalance in district names, observing that only one of the town’s six schools is currently named after a woman. Distefano reminded the public that naming a building after an individual requires a petition with 500 resident signatures. A public hearing on the matter is scheduled for April 28. Additionally, Vice Chair Armando Barbosa proposed adding inspirational inscriptions to school facilities. I am looking into the costs of the signage, Baeta said, while Powers suggested that these could be funded through future class gifts rather than the general operating budget.

The committee also handled several student-centric requests. Stoughton High School students Bella Kuznets and Kayla Harris spoke about the professional growth they experienced through the DECA program, while another student, Jillian, successfully advocated for the continuation of the Buddy's Art unified program. Motion Made by C. Hollins to approve the HOSA out-of-state travel request to Indianapolis. Motion Passed 5-0. The committee also approved a fee waiver for the post-graduation Party All Night Long (PANL) event. Motion Passed 5-0.