Norwood School Committee Approves Strategic Plan Steps, Updates Superintendent Evaluation 4-0

NORWOOD — June 4, 2026 — Norwood School Committee approves strategic plan action steps and superintendent evaluation in unanimous votes. The committee, meeting June 4 at the Savage Center with four of five members present, voted 4-0 to adopt the 2026-2027 strategic plan action steps developed by Superintendent Dr. Mark Luff through workshops with teachers, parents, and administrators across six focus areas, including a last-minute addition of CRAZ safety training for staff. The committee also resolved a split in the superintendent's annual evaluation, voting to move Goal 3 — covering development of the strategic plan with broad stakeholder input — from a deadlocked two-two-one tally to a composite "met" rating before approving the full evaluation 4-0. The committee approved Policy JKAA, updating the district's physical restraint and timeout rules to comply with state regulatory changes that take effect August 17 and effectively eliminate routine use of seclusion in Massachusetts public schools, along with wellness Policy ADF and revised school handbooks including a new breathalyzer provision at Norwood High School, all passing 4-0. The consent agenda, also approved 4-0, included a Unit A stipend agreement and approval of an eighth-grade Puerto Rico trip priced at approximately $2,434 per student.