A heartfelt tribute marked the Norfolk Select Board meeting on February 10, 2025, as members remembered the late Mr. Coakley, with a celebration of his life scheduled for February 17 at the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home in Medway. This loss comes just weeks after another community member's passing, prompting a moment of reflection among the board.

Transitioning to the agenda, the board revisited discussions surrounding the Tri County building project, initially presented by Jane Harden last year. Concerns about competition between Tri County and Millis for students in Advanced Placement (AP) classes were addressed. Recent data revealed that the graduation rates for 2023 and 2024 were nearly identical, with 211 and 201 students graduating, respectively.

Notably, the statistics showed that 40% of graduates pursued four-year colleges, while 45% entered trades, and only 10% opted for community colleges. This data challenges the perception of Tri County as primarily a vocational school, highlighting its role in preparing students for competitive college programs. The board emphasized its support for vocational education, clarifying that many students are successfully transitioning to higher education rather than solely entering the workforce.

The meeting underscored the importance of understanding the educational landscape and the diverse paths available to students, reinforcing the community's commitment to both vocational training and academic excellence.