NORWELL — August 17, 2026 — Following a favorable annual performance evaluation that commended his fiscal management and leadership amid severe post-override budget reductions, the Norwell School Committee voted unanimously on Monday to award Superintendent Matthew Keegan a 3.5% merit pay increase for the upcoming academic year. The committee also advanced preparations for the upcoming school year and received key updates on the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) feasibility study for Norwell High School.
The Full Story
The Norwell School Committee’s evaluation of Superintendent Matthew Keegan highlighted a demanding 2025–2026 academic year marked by staff reductions and operational reorganizations following a failed municipal operating override. Despite reductions to teaching and support staff, as well as rising utility, technology, and maintenance costs, committee members praised Keegan for presenting multi-year financial modeling and balancing the district’s year-end budget.
The annual review credited Keegan with guiding the first year of the district’s five-year strategic plan, launching district-wide professional development under the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, and refining the Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). The evaluation also recognized his oversight in settling a three-year collective bargaining contract with administrative assistants and aides, implementing an outside district custodial vendor, and advancing the town’s high school building project.
“The 25-26 academic year was a challenging one due to a failed override and subsequent cuts across the district... In addition to staffing cuts from the failed override, Matt met the challenge of balancing significant budget cuts with increased expenses in areas including utilities, technology, curriculum adoption, special education, and maintenance.” — Committee Evaluation Summary
Keegan updated the committee on the high school building project, noting that the Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) negotiation subcommittee recently completed talks with the top-ranked candidate. A finalized proposal is scheduled for submission to the MSBA ahead of their September 14 meeting for formal review and approval. Once approved, the OPM and district will begin community outreach, site evaluations, and designer selection to determine whether the existing facility will be renovated or replaced, leading up to a town-wide funding vote targeted for 2028.
