Superintendent's Newsletter 12.01.2023

Budget Updates 

For the FY25 budget, our Norton administrators have been asked to create budgets that represent level services. A level service budget allows us to retain the same levels of teaching and learning for all students in the upcoming school year. A level service budget is an increase from the previous year in order to maintain all programs. In order for our Norton families and community members to have a full understanding of how the increase for a level service budget is determined, I am sharing with you what factors are considered in this process. I welcome any questions or comments you may have about this process. Please feel free to email me or call if you would like to discuss this further! 

1. Salary Increases are increases to Norton educators salaries, based on contractual agreements. This may include cost of living increases, along with increases based on an educator's enhanced level of education or number of years in Norton. All Norton educators contracts can be found on our district website under the Human Resources tab. 

2. Special Education Costs include increased tuition costs for our students that are placed out of district for their educational service, which are at the discretion of the of the state and the collaborative or private schools. There are also significant increases in transportation costs in order to bring students to and from their placement. For our students that are receiving their special education services within our schools in Norton, this may include additional services based on student need such as speech and language, occupational therapy or counseling services. This may also include additional educators such as teachers or paraprofessionals for our in-district programs to accommodate students changing grade levels, qualifying for new programs, or for additional students moving into the district. 

3. Operations and Maintenance Costs takes into the cost of maintaining our schools and grounds. This includes service contracts to maintain our equipment, such as heating systems, elevators, and school security. Additionally, this includes any increases in utility costs or equipment and materials. This is an important factor to ensure our schools are safe and continue to be a source of pride for our community. Additionally, our instructional technology costs are considered here. From software programs to classroom hardware, we rely on various forms of technology to keep our district running smoothly. There are yearly price increases as well as replacement and repair costs that are factored into the technology budget. 

4. Miscellaneous line items are reviewed and updated to represent actual spending from the previous school year along with any anticipated inflation for the coming year. A good example of this is substitute costs. While the district  budgets for substitutes each year, this is a hard area to predict. Based on the number of educator absences or long term leaves, this number can fluctuate from year to year. 

5. Outside Revenue is the final category that we review each year. This includes entitlement grants that we receive each year. We make projections based on our enrollment and demographic data and reports from both the Massachusetts Department of Education and the Federal Department of Education. Typically, the grant funding sees slight increases or decreases, depending on the year. One major consideration for the FY25 budget is the elimination of Covid relief funds through the ESSER grants. Norton Public Schools will be losing roughly $500,000 of grant income for the upcoming school year.
   
   

Inclement Weather Process  It is that time of year when, once again, we need to stay advised of weather forecasts and the potential impact on whether to cancel or delay school. Like weather forecasting, the school closing-decision process is not a perfect science. However, it is important for families to understand how it works. Please see the frequently asked questions below.

The Superintendent of Schools, in consultation with the Director of Facilities, Norton DPW, and Norton Police officials make the final decision. The goal is to make an announcement by 6:00 AM or earlier whenever possible. We understand that if made later, families have little time to make arrangements for childcare, and some school district staff may have already left for work.

What information is gathered to aid in the decision?

There are multiple factors used in deciding whether or not to close school: road conditions, snow accumulation predictions, building conditions such as electricity and heat, parking lot conditions, air temperature and wind chill, and estimated times from the Norton DPW as to when roads, walkways, and parking lots will be cleared of snow and ice.

How are days made-up?

As per State regulations, students must attend school for a minimum of 180 days and the school year must end by June 30. If school is closed due to weather, the day will be made-up at the end of the school year.

How do power outages affect the decision?

Inclement weather can affect the timeline for utility companies to restore electricity. If all school buildings have electricity, the goal will be to open schools. Other factors also influence the decision, including whether a number of neighborhoods are without power.

What is a delayed opening?

Rather than close school for a whole day due to short-term weather situations, there may be days when the beginning of school will be delayed one hour, ninety minutes, or two hours. School will simply start later by the length of the delay. Bus pickup, therefore, will also occur later. For example, if your child is normally picked up at 8:30am, during a one hour delayed opening they will be picked up at 9:30am. Lunch will still be available and dismissal will be at the regularly scheduled times.

How is the public notified?

In the event of a school closing or delay, families and staff will be notified through Parent Square via email, text and phone call. Please be advised, depending upon the severity of the storm, school and district administration offices may also be closed in addition to canceling classes for students.

• December 1st - Elementary Term I Marks Close 

• December 4th - Middle School Term I Marks Close

• December 11th - Elementary and Middle School Term I Report Cards

• December 15th - High School Term II Warning Notices

• December 22nd - Districtwide Early Release Day

• December 25th - 29th - December Vacation

• January 1st - New Year's Day Holiday

• January 2nd - Classes Resume