Norwood School Committee Approves Eight New Personnel Policies, Reviews Mid-Year Academic Data

NORWOOD — January 14, 2026 — Norwood School Committee kicks off 2026 with academic data debut, budget reviews, and policy votes. The committee's January 14 meeting featured the district's first-ever mid-year "State of the Union" academic report, presented by Assistant Superintendent JJ Munoz, showing more than half of grades one through four students at or above grade level on the iReady literacy benchmark and kindergartners doubling their algebraic thinking proficiency between fall and winter math assessments. Business Manager Sean Mannion presented a preliminary fiscal year 2027 budget reflecting a 2.96 percent overall increase, driven by a 4.3 percent rise in salary costs — including an $855,000 new top salary step in the final year of the Unit A teachers contract — with no change in the 569.9 full-time equivalent positions. Director of Student Services Kate Davey reported 68 students currently placed out of district, with gross tuition costs projected at $10.3 million and a net operating impact of roughly $5 million after state circuit-breaker reimbursements; three high-cost residential students aging out contribute to a close to $1.1 million tuition decrease year over year. The committee voted 4-0 to approve first readings of eight new MASC-recommended personnel policies — covering staff technology use, professional teacher status, and support staff evaluation — and to send them out for the required two-week public comment. Outgoing Facilities Director Paul Riccardi, retiring after 13 and a half years, was recognized at his final full-time meeting, with the $3 million town-funded Willett School roof replacement project expected to go to bid in early spring.