Stoughton school officials revealed that the district is currently utilizing approximately $2 million in annual state support through the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) to bolster classroom instruction, even as the town grapples with a wider $3.4 million projected budget gap for the upcoming fiscal year. During the March 3 School Committee meeting, Superintendent Joseph Baeta detailed how these state funds are specifically earmarked for evidence-based practices, primarily centered on a robust instructional coaching model. The district has successfully deployed 10 instructional coaches across elementary schools and one specialist for Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) to serve as thought partners for classroom teachers. While the SOA funding provides a critical foundation, Baeta noted that the district must still rely on other grants, such as Title I and the 186 newcomer grant, to cover areas like extended school year programs that the state funding cannot fully reach. We are seeing an impact in the classrooms, and we are using focus groups at the LPAC and CPAC to see if parents notice the change, Baeta told the committee, adding that he is currently drafting the required annual implementation report for the state.

The influx of state aid comes at a pivotal time for the committee, which is simultaneously navigating a complex revision of the district’s homework policy. Chair Chris Shannon announced the launch of a comprehensive community survey designed to gather feedback from staff, students, and families in multiple languages, including Portuguese, Spanish, and French Creole. The survey, which will remain open for two years, aims to provide a data-driven foundation for a policy that has recently been a point of contention regarding transparency and workload. I'll leave this as a standing item for four to six weeks, Shannon said, emphasizing the need to finalize the policy before the school year ends so teachers can prepare for the fall. Superintendent Baeta anticipated a wide range of feedback, noting that usually, you get 20% on either extreme and 60% in the middle, while jokingly predicting that most students would likely favor a no homework stance.

Beyond policy and funding, the committee turned its attention to the future of early childhood education in Stoughton. Preschool Director Nicole provided an overview of the program’s current operations, which serves 120 students with and without disabilities. As the district plans for the eventual move of the preschool and central offices to the Wilkins school, Nicole highlighted the unique needs of three-to-five-year-olds that differ significantly from older elementary students. There's a difference between a three-year-old and a nine-year-old on a playground, she noted, advocating for preschool-friendly gross motor equipment and indoor movement spaces. The presentation sparked a discussion about a potential 10-year educational plan for the Wilkins building, with Baeta planning a walkthrough this spring to evaluate HVAC upgrades and cafeteria requirements. Vice Chair Armando Barbosa encouraged the preschool staff to compile a nice to have list of equipment that would most benefit the students’ regulation and social-emotional learning.

The committee also took steps to formalize its internal structure to ensure compliance with state regulations. Following concerns raised in previous meetings about the informal nature of the policy working group, Motion Made by C. Shannon to appoint Jillian Distefano and Jenn Sears to the Policy Subcommittee. Motion Passed (4-0-0). This move transitions the group into a formal subcommittee subject to Open Meeting Law, requiring public agendas and minutes. Chair Shannon thanked Member Karen Powers for her advocacy on this issue, noting that meetings must now move out of private settings and into the public sphere. Member Jillian Distefano inquired about the potential for a similar budgeting subcommittee, though the committee decided to hold off on that addition for the time being.

In student-focused news, the committee unanimously approved a new policy regarding middle school pathways. Motion Made by C. Shannon to approve policy IHBB, Middle School Pathway Exploration. Motion Passed (4-0-0). The Student Advisory Representative also provided an update on high school life, highlighting a successful popcorn fundraiser that covered 100% of the costs for leaders to attend the MASC conference. The representative detailed a busy calendar including an upcoming 88-student lock-in and various class activities ranging from the freshman 3v3 basketball tournament to the senior Buddies vs. Badges game. Shannon expressed interest in the ideas students would bring back from their leadership conference, recalling how past events had been significant learning experiences for the district.

The meeting concluded with a moment of appreciation for the town’s emergency response teams following a major winter storm that closed schools for three consecutive days. Superintendent Baeta praised the Department of Public Works and Director of Facilities Paul Jafoon for their tireless efforts. Our director of facilities did not sleep for three days, Baeta said, noting that sidewalks were cleared quickly to allow for a safe return. Member Distefano added her thanks, stating, the kids walking home really appreciated it this time. Looking ahead, the committee announced the cancellation of its March 10 meeting, with plans to reconvene on March 24 for a public hearing on school choice and further budget deliberations. The committee also authorized the payment of district expenses, as Motion Made by C. Shannon to approve the warrants. Motion Passed (4-0-0).