Monty Tech starts year with record enrollment, new renovations

Erika Cannavino (center), an intern in the Guidance Department, and seniors Johanna Wood, of Winchendon (far left), and Sarah Bailey, of Westminster (second from left), help freshmen Cody Saulnier, of Lunenburg, and Marteka Nelson, of Fitchburg, acclimate to life at Monty Tech during Freshman Orientation. COURTESY PHOTO

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School starts its 37th year of operation on Tuesday with a record high enrollment and building renovations to accommodate the ever-increasing student body.

Superintendent-Director James R. Culkeen, who is starting his fourth year at the helm, said more than 700 applications were submitted for 350 slots for the Class of 2011.

With a start-up enrollment for the 2007- 2008 school year of nearly 1,350 students, the highest since it opened its doors, the school has already outgrown a major expansion project completed in 2000, and usable space is now at a premium.

"We are trying to squeeze every square foot out of the existing building to get more usable space to accommodate our growing student body," Culkeen said.

The renovation projects undertaken this summer were not done to expand or "beautify" the building, but to "just give us some more room and prevent overcrowding," according to Culkeen.

"This building is 40 years old, and although it looks great and is in good shape, the mechanical systems, such as plumbing, electrical, heating and ventilation, etc., are aging and need to be updated," he explained.

All of the work completed this summer was done by Monty Tech building trades teachers and their students, Culkeen said.

"By doing this we not only saved taxpayers quite a bit of money, but we also gave our students the opportunity to gain 'real world' work experience by working along side their teachers. It's a win-win situation for everyone," he added.

The construction work includes many projects.

One is the creation of additional classroom space by transforming the stage area in the cafeteria into a staff dining area and space which will eventually house the new school store. The former staff dining room was converted into a classroom.

Another space was garnered by relocating the loading dock and receiver's office to provide additional storage space; by moving a new freezer unit out of the building and onto the loading dock; and the business office moved as did the Dean of Students' office and the in-house suspension room.

Because of increased enrollment in the school's Dental Assisting Program, the existing lab was renovated to take out space formerly used as an office and add two additional dental chairs and more student workstations.

Culkeen said he wanted to commend the school's custodial and maintenance staffs for their hard work this summer.

"With all the construction going on this summer all over the building, and the dust flying everywhere, the custodial and maintenance crews were still able to get the school ready on time," he said.

Donald E. Cranson, school principal, said teachers have been busy this summer working on their curriculum and updating their skills by attending conferences and workshops and taking graduate courses.

"The school looks great, and we are all set to welcome back our returning students and make sure our new students get off on the right foot," he said.