NORFOLK- Norfolk Town Administrator Justin Casanova-Davis, King Philip Regional School District Superintendent Rich Drolet, and Norfolk Public Schools Superintendent Ingrid Allardi share the following information with residents and community members regarding enrollment of children residing at the Bay State Shelter into the school districts.

The Town of Norfolk was notified recently that some families, that are being temporarily housed at the Bay State Shelter, may be enrolling students in the Norfolk Public Schools and King Philip Regional School District. 

 Bay State Shelter families who have received 30 day extensions, due to qualifying factors, may be enrolling children who have been at the shelter for over ten days due to the recent policy changes. 

On Friday, Sept. 6, it was shared with the Town of Norfolk that 12 elementary school aged children and 8 middle/high school aged children are eligible to enroll and may be temporarily placed in the Norfolk or King Philip public school system.

While this announcement is unexpected, both school districts had been previously preparing to receive a much larger number of new students.

Currently there have been three additional English Language Learning (ELL) teachers hired and retained by the districts and preliminary program plans have been developed.

The Town of Norfolk, Norfolk Public Schools and King Philip Regional School District will continue to work with the state, and advocate for the restoration of previously secured funding for this unanticipated change. 

The town and both school districts recognize and understand that this unexpected change in policy regarding enrollment may cause frustration, anger, and concern across the community, and want to emphasize their commitment to the Norfolk community as these changes take place. 

District and town leaders are working diligently to address the situation and want to stress that the education of all students is the top priority. 

More information regarding this update will be shared when it becomes available.