Easton School Committee Approves $31,040 Network Contract, Seats New Superintendent

School Committee · Meeting of July 16, 2026

Easton School Committee unanimously appointed new Superintendent Dr. Pruitt as the district's Bi-County Collaborative representative and approved a $31,040 wireless network renewal contract at its July 16 remote meeting. Director of Finance Joe Spagna reported a projected FY26 year-end operational balance of $338,713.85 against a required town return of $447,873, producing a paper deficit of roughly $109,000 that Spagna said would not materialize once more than $3.1 million in outstanding encumbrances are reviewed — calling the overall position "kind of a bullseye" for a roughly $50 million budget.

The committee approved four policies on second read, including an updated school choice policy adding sibling priority language, and introduced two more for first read. Assistant Superintendent Ann Weintraub announced four new hires, including internal candidate Jeannie Baxter as Director of Curriculum and a newly created EL Department Head position reflecting department growth from one to eight teachers over three years. The committee voted 5-0 to enter executive session on collective bargaining strategy with the Easton Educators Association Units A and C and did not return to open session.

In the full story:

• Welcome of New Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent
• Vote to Appoint Dr. Pruitt as BICO Representative
• Whaley Computer Associates District-Wide Network Renewal
• FY26 Budget Update
• Second-Read Policy Approvals
• First-Read Policies (No Vote)
• The complete report — 2,269 words

Source: the School Committee meeting of July 16, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.