Norwell Schools Face Budget Hurdles, Override Request, HS Study
NORWELL – The Norwell Advisory Board met this week to review the school department’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes a 7.43% increase and a request for an override to cover rising costs. The board also discussed funding for technology, special education, and a proposed feasibility study for a potential new high school.
School officials presented a $2.48 million increase in the FY26 budget, bringing the total request to $35.48 million. Superintendent Matthew Keegan explained that the budget is largely driven by rising special education tuition costs, increased salaries, and higher operational expenses.
"We really can't exist without these fundamental budget items," Keegan said. "We need either an override or other long-term solutions."
A significant factor in the request is a 25% increase in out-of-district special education tuition, projected to cost the district over $3.5 million next year. Additionally, utility costs are expected to rise by at least $85,000, reflecting market-wide energy price hikes.
Need for Additional Nursing and Special Education Support
School leaders emphasized the need for adding a fifth nurse, citing mandated student screenings, medical needs, and field trip coverage.
"If our only nurse is out, then we have no coverage unless we get a substitute," Advisory Board Chair John McGrath stated. "With student health concerns increasing, this is something we can't afford to overlook."
The board also discussed hiring an assistant special education director, following an external review that identified a need for greater consistency in service delivery and student evaluations.
"Our current director is handling not just special education, but also civil rights compliance, nursing, and counseling," Keegan explained. "Adding an assistant would ensure that students and families receive more focused support."
Regarding special education administration, Advisory Board member Bob Perniola asked if the duties of the proposed assistant special education director could instead be handled by existing assistant principals, questioning if more teachers rather than administrators would better serve students: "Wouldn't more boots on the ground with an educator be more beneficial than adding an administrator?"
School officials countered that assistant principals are increasingly pulled into behavioral and disciplinary issues, leaving them with less time for special education oversight.
Technology Upgrades and Curriculum Investments
The school department outlined a new technology replacement cycle, highlighting the need to replace outdated iPads and laptops used by students.
"We’ve been making our devices last 10 to 12 years, well beyond their expected lifespan," said School Business Manager Warren McCallum. "But software upgrades are making older devices incompatible with state testing and curriculum."
Additionally, the district detailed plans for curriculum updates, including new social studies textbooks and health and wellness materials.
High School Feasibility Study Considered
A key topic was a $1.5 million feasibility study for a potential new Norwell High School. The study is required by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), which could reimburse up to 40% of the total project cost.
"This is not something you guess at," Keegan said. "By completing this study, we ensure that any proposal we bring to Town Meeting is backed by data and eligible for state funding."
School officials estimated that a new high school could cost between $120 million and $160 million, with state reimbursement potentially saving Norwell between $40 million and $64 million.
Next Steps
The Advisory Board will continue discussions before making recommendations to Town Meeting voters. The override request and feasibility study are expected to be among the most debated issues in the coming months.
For more Norwell news, visit the South Shore Times Norwell homepage. The entire meeting can be viewed on Norwell Spotlight TV.