Andrew Benharris

Key discussions included recognitions for Academic Excellence award recipients. An update was provided on Opioid Abatement Initiatives, detailing the formation of a Task Force, use of grant money, implementation of the INTERFACE referral service, Narcan training, and the addition of a Co-Response Mental Health Clinician. Teacher Negotiations were discussed, noting that negotiations reached an impasse leading to mediation. Public comment involved teachers expressing their need for fair compensation and respect during mediation. Presentation topics covered student reports on the Student Voice Summit, sports updates, and planning for the Thanksgiving Day Rally. The Assistant Superintendent reported on a Professional Development day and the 4-year plan to operationalize the educational vision leading up to the new building opening in 2028, as well as progress on the comprehensive safety and security plan. Superintendent Antonucci provided an update on the new building design development, noting budget submission goals for the Building Committee meeting and MSBA submission. Traffic safety improvements at a crosswalk were also reported. Committee members made announcements regarding grant money availability for Early Literacy, upcoming Parent Info Series and SEPAC meetings, and community events. Action items included the unanimous approval of bills and minutes from various dates, and the approval of two labor contracts (AFSCME and NAFT Office Professionals) for 2025-2028, and the creation of a revolving account for Music/Fine Arts revenue. Discussions also covered the Draft FY27 Capital Improvement Plan, Superintendent Evaluation Methods, and the method used to approve the Assistant Superintendent's contract and salary.

The meeting included several key segments. The Superintendent announced recipients of the NAPS "Spotlight" Employee of the Month Award. The Alumni Association requested permission to use the High School Lobby in February 2026 for an awards ceremony and to suspend Policy KF-R1 for alcohol consumption during the event, which was approved. Student representatives reported on PSAT administration, a Community Movie Night, a World Language Department block party, and the implementation of hard copy hall passes. A report on Federal Grants (IDEA 240) detailed funding allocations for private/homeschooled students and Out of District Placements, and introduced the DALS assessment library. Updates included the final approval of language changes required by DESE for Student and Faculty Handbooks, Codes of Conduct, and the Bullying Intervention and Prevention Plan. The committee reviewed and approved the new Competency Determination Program, which eliminates the MCAS graduation requirement beginning with the Class of 2025. Updates were also provided on the MSBA Building Project timelines and renderings, and a First Responder Training involving an active shooter simulation. Committee members provided community announcements regarding inclusivity, band highlights, PTO visits, and traffic safety concerns near schools, which prompted a traffic study. Action items included the approval of bills and the formal vote to approve the Competency Determination Program, accept gifts totaling $13,500 (with temporary policy suspension), and approve the creation of revolving accounts for the Technology Department and Non-Resident Tuition revenue.

The primary issue requiring a vote was the approval of the NAFT Teachers' MOA for 2025-2028, which was recommended by the negotiation subcommittee. Key aspects of the Memorandum of Agreement highlighted included a 3-year agreement with specific annual COLA percentages (3%, 2.75%, and 2.5%), increased longevity pay across all levels, and the development of a new, equitable salary grid with tiers for Appendix B positions. Additionally, teachers gained the ability to use up to 20 days of accrued sick time for family sick time. The motion to approve the MOA passed with a 5-0-1 role call vote.

The meeting included reports from student representatives on winter sports, the Student Voice Summit, Active Minds, and a winter rally. Updates were provided on facilities and grounds, curriculum revision for mathematics, and the Athletic Complex project. The committee voted to appoint a new Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations. Approval was given to reinstate the North Serves graduation requirement. Discussion also covered senior privileges, community announcements, bill acceptance, payment rates for personnel at sporting events, public comments on curriculum review and ESSER Funds, the FY23 Budget process, and an executive session for non-union personnel negotiations.

The North Attleborough School Committee meeting included the appointment of Dr. Lincoln Lynch as Interim Business Administrator. Public comments addressed concerns about the potential reinstatement of mask mandates. The committee discussed health and safety guidelines for the fall, specifically regarding masks, and decided to schedule a special meeting to review reopening guidelines. The meeting moved into executive session to discuss negotiations with Union Personnel and strategy for collective bargaining.