Save Our Schools (SOS)

THIS PAGE INCLUDES INFORMATION FOR ALL NORWELL SCHOOLS:

VINAL + COLE + MIDDLE SCHOOL + HIGH SCHOOL

Norwell residents will vote at the May 5th Town Meeting for Bill 2B!

Here are the facts:

  • The Override is to cover costs the Norwell Schools and Town needs to serve constituents.

  • You must be present to vote at Town Meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025 Norwell Town Meeting at 6:30pm until late: In-Person Vote on the ballot will be conducted and it must pass with a majority vote. A revote can be called at the end of the meeting so staying until the end is essential.

  • If it passes at the May 5th Town Meeting, a ballot vote will be held on Saturday, May 17 from 6:00am - 8:00pm at the Norwell Middle School and must pass with a majority vote.

UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT!

Essential Cuts, Reductions and the Consequences of the Override NOT Passing! Click on the “+” to learn more about the consequences for each school and each cut.

Norwell Cole & Vinal Elementary Schools:

Norwell Middle School:

Norwell High School:

High School Athletics:

District Wide:

  • Consequences:

    • Loss of licensed librarian (no instruction of library standards - information literacy lessons)

    • Outdated collection of books

    • Limited library access for students

    • Loss of eligibility to the Massachusetts Library System and related ebook databases

    • Reduced time in the library

  • Consequences

    • Reduced literacy interventions for identified at risk students

    • Reduced literacy instruction support for classroom teachers

    • Loss of Literacy Night and STEAM Nights here

  • Consequences:

    • Increased class size

  • Consequences:

    • Loss of consistent coverage for teacher absences and teacher meetings

    • Will access kindergarten aides for coverage

    • Disruption to kindergarten aide support

  • Consequences:

    • Families will need to purchase all school supplies for students (crayons, markers, folders, glue sticks, scissors, pencils, etc.)

  • Consequences:

    • Increased PE class size

    • Reduction in PE activities and/or health curriculum

    • Increased number of students placed in study halls

  • Consequences

    • Elimination/reduction of math support

    • Math interventions for students at-risk will be significantly reduced and/or eliminated

  • Consequences:

    • Reduction in main office support

      • Admin. support (MCAS) (Guidance/504s) (scheduling)

      • Parent support

  • Consequences:

    • Loss of the majority of physical education classes

    • Increased class sizes in both health/PE and in other elective areas due to scheduling reassignments

    • Increased number of students placed in study halls

  • Consequences

    • Loss of engineering classes (including robotics)

    • Reduction of building/construction classes

    • Increased number of students placed in study halls

  • Consequences:

    • Increased class sizes

    • Elimination of Writing Fundamentals course for all 9th-grade students

    • Limit senior elective offerings

  • Consequences:

    • Combine Arabic 1 & 2 (potential cut of Arabic program)

    • Cut AP French

  • Consequences:

    • Loss of Math Tutor providing additional support for 9th-12th grade students at all levels

    • Loss of additional support in selected CP classes

    • Loss of intervention for move-in students

  • Consequences:

    • Loss of Bridge social-emotional support system

    • Loss of support for students that have missed a significant amount of school

  • Consequences:

    • Loss of one secretary

    • Attendance

    • Scheduling of students for guidance support reduced

  • Consequences:

    • Reduced opportunities for athletic participation

    • Reduction in the development of student-athletes

    • Loss of 9 Freshmen/JV2 teams

  • Consequences:

    • Reduced opportunities for athletic participation

    • Reduction in the development of student-athletes

    • Loss of 6 JV teams

    • 1st Assistant (JV) Cheerleading

    • 2nd Assistant (F/JV2) Volleyball

    • 2nd Assistant (F/JV2) Field Hockey

    • 2nd Assistant (F/JV2) Boys Soccer

    • 2nd Assistant (F/JV2) Girls Soccer

    • 2nd Assistant (F/JV2) Boys Basketball

    • 2nd Assistant (F/JV2) Girls Basketball

    • 1st Assistant (JV) Boys Ice Hockey

    • 1st Assistant (JV) Girls Ice Hockey

    • 1st Assistant (JV) Wrestling

    • 2nd Assistant (F/JV2) Baseball

    • 2nd Assistant (F/JV2) Boys Lacrosse

    • 2nd Assistant (F/JV2) Girls Lacrosse

    • 1st Assistant (JV) Girls Softball

    • 1st Assistant (JV) Girls Tennis

  • Consequences:

    • Reduction of educator coaching in working with students with learning differences

    • Reduction of transition support/strategies for students with disabilities transitioning between grade levels and case manager

    • Reduction of consistent management and distribution of specialized technology

    • Increased responsibilities for Director of Student Services

  • Consequences

    • Recommended nurse to student ratio will not be met at any school building

    • Continue to over rely on substitute nurses

    • Consistency for students with extraordinary health needs will not be provided

  • Consequences:

    • Unable to align elementary services recommendations.

    • Will remove consistency in Team meetings, direct special educator support and consistent contact with families

    • Lack of support for federal and state compliance reporting

  • Consequences:

    • An across the board reduction that will need to be managed throughout the year

  • Consequences:

    • Emergency fund transfers will be needed for any unusual repairs

    • All planned projects will be canceled

  • Consequences:

    • Older technology will remain, requiring more service

    • Issues with connectivity and curriculum/state testing

    • Cut new cycle for elementary iPads

    • Cut High School computer replacement cycle

    • Teacher computers will not be cycled into grade level carts

  • Consequences:

    • Circuit breaker stabilization will be accessed if budget is exceeded

    • Bus fee increased by $100

    • Lack of equitable opportunities for teaching staff to attend professional development

🗳️ 🏫 OUR SCHOOLS & TOWN DEPEND ON YOU AND YOUR VOTE

🗳️ 🏫 OUR SCHOOLS & TOWN DEPEND ON YOU AND YOUR VOTE

CRITICAL DATES

  • Monday, May 5, 2025 Norwell Town Meeting at 6:30pm until late: In-Person Vote on the ballot will be conducted and it must pass with a majority vote. A revote can be called at the end of the meeting so staying until the end is essential.

  • If it passes at the May 5th Town Meeting, a ballot vote will be held on Saturday, May 17 from 6:00am - 8:00pm at the Norwell Middle School and must pass with a majority vote.

FAQ

KEY QUESTION!
How much will this cost me personally? What is the expected tax increase for me?

Attend an upcoming meeting with Superintendent Matthew Keegan or view the presentation below

BACKGROUND MATERIALS