What You Missed at the School Committee Meeting [VIDEO]

Filling the Vacancy: "Probably the budget," is what Scott Karpuk, one of the two candidates for Northborough representative of the Regional School Committee responded during interviews on Wednesday night. A member of the Northborough Trails Committee, leader of the Robotics Team at Algonquin and father of two in the local school system, Karpuk was unanimously voted in as new member. He will sit on the committee until the election next May. Heidi Bourque Gleason, who is an active member in the Lincoln Street PTO, was also a candidate and listed the budget and class size as two of her major concerns.

Heading to Higher Education: According to the latest data, some 92 percent of the graduating class from Algonquin Regional High School this year are heading on to colleges or universities. Principal Tom Mead, who presented a detailed report, said it "shows the incredible breadth of our students. It is a good cross section of most of the colleges and universities in this country." Eight students in the class of 2011 report they are going on to art school, which is "probably the largest contingent that has identified these schools as a number one choice." The report, while comprensive, is not fully complete, as some students are still submitting information. "It's a very impressive year," said Superintendent of Schools Charles Gobron. "Just the fact that 1,481 acceptance letters were received, that's very impressive."

In the Principal's Report: Algonquin Principal Thomas Mead, who presents a report at every Regional School Committee meeting, updated the committee on events, achievements and plans of students and teachers at the high school. Among the report: The Chamber Singers participated in the Memorial Day commemorations this year; the AP World History classes raised $742.02 to give to six organizations ranging from issues dealing with AIDS to iodine deficiencies; and members of the Algonquin community participated in the revival of North South Day, which is a day dedicated to bringing eighth grade students from Melican and Trottier Middle Schools in for a day of activities.

The Audit's In: Dr. Gobron reported that the recent audit showed the schools have "very good controls, and overall there were no findings." That's good news.