At the School Committee meeting on May 28 Phil De Zutter was elected to chair the committee and Liana Moore will co-chair.
Chair – Phil De Zutter
Vice Chair – Liana Moore
Secretary – Diane Duncan
Taft Library Trustee – Leigh Martin
Risteen Fund – Grace Maneri
Assistant Treasurer – Christopher Russo
Clerk – Beth Bailey
Blackstone Valley Educational Collaborative – Joseph Maruszcak
Budget subcommittee – Phil De Zutter, Chris Russo, Diane Duncan
Policy subcommittee –Grace Maneri, Liana, Leigh Martin
Negotiation Subcommittee – Liana Moore, Phil De Zutter, Christopher Russo
Superintendent Subcommittee – Grace, Diane, Leigh Martin
Superintendent Joseph Maruszcak gave budget updates stating there were favorable balances in Special Education and Facilities/Maintenance. Christopher Russo noticed an increase in techonology, “Technology seems to off about 10k at Miscoe Hill.” Joseph Maruszcak explained the increase was related to the implementation of the IPads for the staff. The district is moving forward with the parent funded IPad program next year.
Joseph Maruszcak was excited to announce the MU district will partner with WPI to improve science, technology, engineering and math. For more information go here.
Long-Term Capital Planning was discussed. The district does not presently have a stabilization fund or funds to take on major projects coming down the pike. Miscoe Hill is an old school and will need some major repairs within the next 3 to 5 years, including rebuilding the septic system and relocating the well, both costly projects. In addition to the sewer system and well, Miscoe Hill’s walk in freezer and refrigerator are original to the building and are having issues with freeze up and other issues. Eventually they will need to be replaced.
The committee determined to bring the issue of long-term capital planning to the multi board meeting. There are few ways to approach present and future needs; one way discussed was creating a stabilization fund from the operational budget. The list of future repairs for the next ten years is almost 5 million dollars.
UPTON DAILY 