The Stoughton School Committee is bracing for a difficult financial season as Superintendent Joseph Baeta warned of a $3 million budget shortfall that could trigger staff layoffs and a comprehensive review of district fee structures. During the March 24 meeting, Baeta presented current fee schedules for facilities, transportation, and the Early Childhood Center, noting that potential increases will be on the table throughout April and May to address the deficit. Last year, we were losing money on custodial fees because they weren't where they were supposed to be, Baeta said, adding that the district's capital plan includes a $500,000 deposit into the special education stabilization fund to help mitigate future fiscal pressures.

In a move to manage enrollment and facility constraints, the committee voted unanimously to withdraw from the Massachusetts School Choice program for the 2026-2027 school year. Baeta recommended the opt-out due to the district's continuing flux in enrollment and lack of facility space. Motion Made by A. Barbosa to not participate in the school choice program for the 2026-2027 school year. Motion Passed 5-0-0. Chair Chris Shannon noted that while the public hearing yielded no residents, it served as a necessary step under state law to formalize the district's position. We'll continue going just to provide information to the public on what the issue is and why we are taking this vote, Shannon said.

The district officially welcomed Ryan Augusta as the next principal of Stoughton High School. Augusta, currently an assistant principal in Medway, was introduced by Superintendent-elect Julie Miller, who praised his background in special education and his visionary and collaborative leadership. Augusta shared that his site visits revealed a culture of high morale, noting that the longevity of the staff spoke volumes about the culture and positivity. When Vice Chair Armando Barbosa asked what impressed him most about the high school, Augusta pointed to the students, saying, They were so involved and excited to be at school. That student positivity was a real strong draw for me.

Transitioning to classroom initiatives, Humanities Director Eileen Sprague and STEM Director Brian Scanlan detailed efforts to modernize elementary and middle school learning. Scanlan explained a shift toward shorter, standards-based math assessments to make data immediately actionable so teachers don't have to wait until the end of a unit to identify students who need help. Member Karen Powers raised concerns about whether literacy barriers affect math scores for younger students. If they can't read the thing, they're not going to do well on the math, Powers said. Scanlan responded that the district is using platforms with audio options in multiple languages to ensure the complication of language isn't the barrier. Sprague highlighted the Reimagined Kindergarten program, which emphasizes play-based learning and oral language. Feedback from teachers is that students are much more ready to enter the curriculum now because we slowed down, Sprague noted.

The committee also took the first steps toward naming the new elementary school currently under construction, a project town officials have been working to fund through strategic debt mitigation. A new subcommittee was established to lead the naming process. Motion Made by J. Sears to create a naming subcommittee consisting of Jillian Distefano and Jenn Sears. Motion Passed 5-0-0. Member Jillian Distefano noted that the building committee is eager for a name, suggesting that it might be in our favor to put a subcommittee together specifically for naming. A special public hearing for naming suggestions is scheduled for April 28. In a related discussion, Vice Chair Barbosa proposed a motivational inscription for the new building's entrance, such as Through these doors pass the world's greatest educators and learners.

Regarding the ongoing revision of the district’s homework policy, Member Jenn Sears reported she is still reviewing extensive student feedback. Some of it sounds like frustration with certain teachers or subjects, Sears said, though she emphasized that homework should be built up so it's not daunting when they go to college or trade school. Member Powers noted that many students complained about the lack of consistency, with some reporting extraordinary amounts of work or assignments given over vacations. I'd like to see something written that says don't assign it on Friday and have it due on Monday, Powers added.

Superintendent-elect Julie Miller provided an update on her transition, noting her participation in a state induction program and her work shadowing Baeta on labor relations. I've worked with Dr. Baeta on budget development and labor relations to support a smooth transition on July 1st, Miller said. Baeta also touched on the proposed renovations to the town-owned Denison Athletic Fields. While supporting the improvements, he cautioned that if a new middle school is built in the next decade, it would likely occupy those fields. I don't want the school department to be blamed later for spending money on fields that were then built over, Baeta said.

Finally, the committee honored departing Vice Chair Armando Barbosa for his three years of service. Chair Shannon described him as a very sage and calm voice for the group. In financial business, the committee also handled routine warrants. Motion Made by A. Barbosa to accept the warrants as presented. Motion Passed 4-0-1 with Member Powers abstaining.