Notes from Norton School Committee Meeting on Dec. 19

                The Norton School Committee reported at their December 19 meeting that the Norton Board of Selectmen approved the School Committee’s statement of interest regarding replacing the J.C. Solmonese Elementary School.

                “We should make sure we put up a quality roof,” said Committee member Andrew Mackie, adding, “So we don’t have to replace it again in ten years.”

                School Committee Marge Werner said she is hoping the district will receive energy saving grants that sometimes come with new construction. 

                Norton School District Superintendent Dr. Patricia Ansay, said she has submitted an article for the town warrant in case they may need it if the project progresses soon.  “We don’t want to be shut out,” she said. 

                Werner said the school had its roof replaced last in 1991 when there was a fire over Christmas vacation in the Kindergarten wing.   Ansay said the current roof’s warranty has expired and it leaks.   Werner added that the district will be applying to the state for grants and hopes that they could receive up to 40 to 50 percent of the project’s cost. 

                School Committee Chair Beth McManus said the Superintendent Search Committee met for the first time on December 12.  The committee consists of 17 people from the school district and the community.  Werner said there are retired teachers, parents, administrators, teachers, selectmen the Norton town manager serving on the committee.

At the Superintendent Search Committee, McManus was chosen as the committee’s chairperson.  Their next meeting is January 17.