Ashbrnham-Westminster Regional School Committee
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Compiled By Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Staff Reporter

Top Story:

The Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School Committee approved the new transportation bid, which will have Laidlaw Transit provide bus service for the students the next three years.

The new contract will cost the district $4,249,260. The first year of the contract will cost $1,377,360, which is about 24 percent increase over this year’s contract.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” Committee Chairman David Christianson said. “I think we are relieved at 24 percent, but where do we come up with 24 percent?”

The committee vote 7-0 to grant the contract.

The only other bid was submitted by the current bus company, First Student, who wanted $4,825,366 for three years.

The new contract, which takes effect on July 1, 2007, shows a 2.9 percent increase each of the remaining two years. The contract also includes an optional fourth and fifth year.

“It’s not overwhelming at this point,” said Laura Weiderman, chairwoman of the transportation subcommittee.

Superintendent Michael Zapantis said that there is no gas increase allowed under the contract.

“We have the safety features that we want,” Weiderman said. “We have (the buses) housed in the district. We have cameras on the buses.”

Business Administrator Sherry Kersey said the increase is lower than the average 30 percent increases in other districts.

Christianson said it’s important to determine how the hike will affect the overall budget.

In other business:

~ Zapantis recognized a group of residents who are raising money for the multi-purpose athletic field. He said the members wish to remain anonymous but have raised the money — $28,000 — to upgrade the field turf. The donations ranged between $1,000 and $12,000.

The group is also working to raise money for new bleachers.

~ Athletic Director David LaRoche shared the success of the district’s athletic program. During the fall, there were 228 high school students participating on teams and 145 at the middle school level.

The winter season has seen the return of a winter track team with 62 participants, as well as 81 students playing basketball. Oakmont will also have an ice hockey team and a winter cheerleading squad.

LaRoche brought a collection of awards that the Oakmont athletes collected during the season including the state sportsmanship award for the soccer team and the Superbowl trophy.

~ Zapantis gave a preliminary budget presentation to the committee. He said he predicts an increase of about 6 percent for the operating budget, which includes a new contract for teachers and buses, as well as increases in health insurance and heating expenses.

Zapantis asked school committee members to ask for a new funding method from the towns because he said 2.5 percent plus growth, will not cover a level-service budget.

“This increase is not adequate to keep pace with increased costs,” he said. “Our budget is not being leveled-service year after year by the towns,”

He said unless a new method is found the district will have to ask voters for an override every three to four years.

The budget will be formally presented to the committee in mid-January.