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Norwood superintendent outlines student‑services changes, data dashboard and FY27 outlook

Board of Selectmen · December 4, 2025
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Summary

Superintendent Tim Lough provided a district update to the Board of Selectmen covering implementation of a student‑services audit, curriculum alignment, cooperative learning professional development, a 'state of the union' data dashboard, redistricting decisions and a preliminary FY27 budget outlook (roughly 4.1% level‑service projection).

Superintendent Tim Lough briefed the Norwood Board of Selectmen on Dec. 2 about major initiatives in the school district, telling the board this update is his to provide and not on behalf of the school committee.

Lough said the district has been implementing recommendations from a student‑services audit (covering special education, English‑learner services, nursing and guidance) and that many budget impacts of the audit were already included in the FY26 planning. He described steps to place specialized programs in consistent buildings (reducing student movement between schools), hire and train paraprofessionals tied to expertise, and create professional learning communities to improve K–12 alignment.

He outlined plans for a midyear and year‑end "state of the union" data dashboard to present real‑time indicators (reading, writing, math, behavior and program access) for the school committee and public. Lough also described career‑pathway experiences for students, the opening and early operations of the new Coakley Middle School, and the elementary redistricting plan that established six K–4 elementary schools for 2026–27.

On finance, Lough said his preliminary FY27 budget will be presented to the school committee Dec. 17 and that a five‑year outlook is being used in planning; he estimated a rough level‑service outlook near 4.1 percent but said final figures would follow once the preliminary is complete.

Lough emphasized operational and safety initiatives, including a director of safety/compliance role, professional development for staff, and tighter collaboration with town HR functions to streamline hiring, investigations and staff support.