Stoneham School Committee Approves $1.07 Million Warrant, Hears Enrollment Study Progress

STONEHAM -- September 17, 2025, Stoneham School Committee approves $1.07 million warrant and hears enrollment study update at off-cycle September meeting. The committee voted 3-0 with two abstentions to approve Warrant 26-11 in the amount of $1,076,245.79, and unanimously appointed Tracy Ercolini as a school nurse split between Stoneham High School and the Stoneham Early Learning Center, filling a position described as operating at a deficit. Tim Amon, a consultant who drove from Philadelphia to attend in person, presented progress on the district's enrollment and growth management study, describing a methodology built around enrollment projections, functional facility capacity, and attendance boundaries, and noting that a completed report is expected around Halloween with committee review anticipated in January or February 2026. New Director of Special Education Sarah O'Leary introduced herself to the committee and acknowledged the department is managing with one fewer coordinator than last year due to budget cuts, prompting committee member Melanie Kokoros to warn that "making it work is a dangerous word" and raise concerns about staff burnout. The committee voted 5-0 to enter executive session for collective bargaining strategy covering the SEA bargaining unit and non-union personnel.