Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School Committee
Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2007
Compiled By Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Reporter

Top Story:

School committee members discussed concerns from two parents during their budget meeting, but do not think there is money to address those concerns.

In a letter to the committee, parent Jennifer Law of Ashburnham said there aren't enough options for full-day kindergarten, which is only offered on a lottery system and on a tuition basis. Superintendent Michael Zapantis did not suggest making full-day kindergarten a mandated or funded part of the upcoming budget.

"The frustration that comes through in Law's letter is something we have been struggling with but the funding is not there," said Committee Chairman David Christianson.

Zapantis proposed a $26 million budget, which if fully funded would require a $2.2 million override between the two towns.

The School Committee plans to certify a budget on Tuesday, March 13, as mandated by the regional agreement. Committee members said they would reconsider the budget, which can only decreased once its certified, in April after firmer budget numbers are released by the state.

There was also a request to help supplement some of the budget for the girls' ice hockey team, which is a club sport. The team is not being considered for varsity status because of a lack of competition on that level.

In Other News:

+ The student council members to the committee presented suggestions for a survey about the district's food service department. The survey will ask questions of students, faculty and parents.

+ Committee member Jamie Rheult requested the committee to consider asking Ashburnham town officials to reopen Maple Drive. The road is a second access to the high school and middle school driveways.

+ School committee members discussed a letter from the Overlook Middle School PTO president that requested the committee reconsider a policy banning most incentives for fundraisers.

Keith Glenny, who chairs the policy subcommittee, said that a policy regarding fundraisers hasn't been passed yet, but is being considered. Zapantis said he has asked the school administrations to reduce the incentives for the fundraisers.

"We are waiting for a report back from administration," Glenny said. He added the fundraising policy would also look at the frequency of school-supported fundraisers and the overlapping types of fundraisers for school activities.