Public Comment Participation at Hybrid School Committee Meetings

PUBLIC COMMENT AT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS - School Committee Policy BEDH

All regular and special meetings of the School Committee shall be open to the public. Executive sessions will be held only as prescribed by the Statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The School Committee desires individuals to attend its meetings so that they may become better acquainted with the operations and the programs of our local public schools. In addition, the Committee would like the opportunity to hear public comment.

Public comment is not a discussion, debate, or dialogue between individuals and the School Committee. It is an individual’s opportunity to express an opinion on issues within the School Committee’s authority.

Public Comment Under Hybrid Meeting Format

Under a hybrid meeting format, the Norwood School Committee will have two ways in which the public can access public comment:

Remote participation. Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for remote public comment only.
In-Person participation. Participants choosing this option can also call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register in advance to speak in person, or they can attend the meeting and register upon arrival. Public Comment is first come first served therefore pre-registration is encouraged.

During the meeting, all public comment participants, either online or in person will be called upon by the Chair, in chronological order based on their sign up.

Participants joining online will be muted until called upon by the Chair. While awaiting their turn to speak, participants should rely on the Google Meet audio to hear their name be called, as there may be a slight delay in the livestream or broadcast. When your name is called, if you are watching the meeting via livestream or broadcast, please mute your computer or television in order to prevent an echo from being broadcast into the virtual meeting chambers. You will have up to three minutes to speak to the School Committee.

Once your comment is completed, please mute yourself again. In the event you forget to mute yourself or do not stop at the end of your three minutes, you will be muted by the Chair.

After the public comment period is closed, online participants will be exited from the meeting but will continue to have live access to the meeting via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/.

To ensure the ability of the School Committee to conduct the District's business in an orderly manner, the following rules and procedures are adopted:

At the start of each regularly scheduled School Committee meeting, individuals will sign in for an opportunity to speak during public comment. The public comment segment shall not exceed 30 minutes. All speakers are encouraged to present their remarks in a respectful manner
Speakers will be allowed up to three (3) minutes to present their material and must begin their comments by stating their name and city/town. The presiding Chair may permit extension of this time limit, in extenuating circumstances.
Topics for discussion should be limited to those items within the School Committee’s scope of authority. The authority of the School Committee primarily concerns the review and approval of the budget of the district’s public schools, the performance of the Superintendent, and the educational goals and policies of the district’s public schools. Comments and complaints regarding school personnel (apart from the Superintendent) or students are generally prohibited unless those comments and complaints concern matters within the scope of School Committee authority.
The Chair of the meeting, after a warning, reserves the right to terminate speech which is not constitutionally protected because it constitutes true threats that are likely to provoke a violent reaction and cause a breach of the peace, or incitement to imminent lawless conduct, or contains obscenities.
Written comments longer than three (3) minutes may be presented to the presiding Chair before or after the meeting. All remarks will be addressed through the Chair of the meeting. Comments made during the public comment portion of the meeting do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the School Committee.
Sign up instructions will be provided for those who wish to participate in Public Comment.

Date/AGENDA	TIME	LOCATION	TOPIC/MINUTES
Jul 10, 2024	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Summer Workshop
Jul 10, 2024	SEE Topic	Savage Center	Executive Session IMMEDIATELY following School Committee Summer Workshop
Jul 24, 2024	7:00 PM	REMOTE	Minutes This is a remote meeting and is open to the public. If you would like to attend, please contact the Superintendent's office at 781-762-6804 by noon on the business day prior to the meeting to receive the link
Jul 30, 2024	9:00 AM	Savage Center	Executive Session Unit A Negotiations
Aug 27, 2024	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Minutes Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Sept 11, 2024	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Minutes Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Sept 14, 2024	10:00 AM	Balch	PUBLIC FORUM: Elementary Study Committee In Person meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Balch Cafeteria. NCM will record the Public Forum but it will not be live. It will be broadcast at a later date. For the cable channel guide please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office at 781-762-6804 by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting).
Sept 25, 2024	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Minutes Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Oct 8, 2024	7:00 PM	Cleveland	PUBLIC FORUM: Elementary Study Committee Hybrid Meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Cleveland Elementary School. NCM will record the Public Forum and it will be broadcast at a later date. For the cable channel guide, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org . Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781-762-6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Oct 16, 2024	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Norwood High School or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Oct 29, 2024	10:22 AM	NHS	Student Advisory Council
Oct 30, 2024	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Nov 13, 2024	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Dec 4, 2024	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Dec 18, 2024	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Jan 15, 2025	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Jan 29, 2025	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Feb 12, 2025	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Mar 5, 2025	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Mar 19, 2025	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Mar 26, 2025	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Apr 9, 2025	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Apr 30, 2025	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
May 14, 2025	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
May 28, 2025	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Jun 4, 2024	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.
Jun 18, 2025	7:00 PM	Savage Center	Hybrid meeting. Public can access the meeting in person at the Savage Center or live via NCM on cable and online as it is live-streamed. For the cable channel guide and online link, please visit: https://norwoodcommunitymedia.org/. Public participation for the public comment period can be accessed in two ways: (1) In person at the meeting (sign up in advance through Superintendent’s Office by noon the day of the meeting to pre-register, or sign in at the meeting); and (2) Call the Superintendent’s Office at 781.762.6804 by noon on the day of the meeting to register and receive a meeting link that will be accessible for public comment only.

DATE	TIME	LOCATION	TOPIC
Jul 8, 2024	1:00 PM	REMOTE	Budget Sub Committee This is a remote sub committee meeting and is open to the public. If you would like to attend, please contact the Superintendent's office at 781-762-6804 by noon on the business day prior to the meeting to receive the link.
Aug 20, 2024	10:30 AM	REMOTE	Policy Sub Committee This is a remote sub committee meeting and is open to the public. If you would like to attend, please contact the Superintendent's office at 781-762-6804 by noon on the business day prior to the meeting to receive the link.
Aug 20, 2024	1:00 PM	REMOTE	Budget Sub Committee This is a remote sub committee meeting and is open to the public. If you would like to attend, please contact the Superintendent's office at 781-762-6804 by noon on the business day prior to the meeting to receive the link.
Sept 6, 2024	10:30 AM	REMOTE	Policy Sub Committee This is a remote sub committee meeting and is open to the public. If you would like to attend, please contact the Superintendent's office at 781-762-6804 by noon on the business day prior to the meeting to receive the link.
Sept 18, 2024	1:00 PM	REMOTE	Budget Sub Committee This is a remote sub committee meeting and is open to the public. If you would like to attend, please contact the Superintendent's office at 781-762-6804 by noon on the business day prior to the meeting to receive the link.
Oct 7, 2024	12:00 PM	REMOTE	Budget Sub Committee This is a remote sub committee meeting and is open to the public. If you would like to attend, please contact the Superintendent's office at 781-762-6804 by noon on the business day prior to the meeting to receive the link.
Oct 7, 2024	1:00 PM	REMOTE	Policy Sub Committee This is a remote sub committee meeting and is open to the public. If you would like to attend, please contact the Superintendent's office at 781-762-6804 by noon on the business day prior to the meeting to receive the link.
Oct 11, 2024	12:30 PM	REMOTE	Budget Sub Committee This is a remote sub committee meeting and is open to the public. If you would like to attend, please contact the Superintendent's office at 781-762-6804 by noon on the business day prior to the meeting to receive the link.

Schedule, Agenda, and Minutes 2024-2025

Public Comment Participation at Hybrid School Committee Meetings

Sub Committee Meetings 2024-2025