5 Things You Missed at the School Committee Meeting

1.  It took some scrambling, but the Gibbons School renovation project kept its spot on the Massachusetts School Building Authority's list for potential funding. 

Superintendent Marianne O'Connor said the district was notified it was at risk of falling off the list of projects that will be considered when the MSBA meets on Jan. 25. "It took a lot of work and communication but we got it back on track," said Superintendent Marianne O'Connor. 

To keep the project moving forward, an article on the March Town Meeeting warrant will seek an additional $200,000 to hire a project manager and do additional design work. "We're assured we're still in the running."  

2. The district will be doing some hiring for key positions after two upcoming retirements. A search committee will be formed to find the next Director of Pupil and Personnel Services, the post from which Maureen Ferguson will retire at the end of June. The job was scheduled to be posted on Thursday. The district is also looking for a new school counselor at Westborough High School following the recent decision by Jean Peloquin to retire as of March 12. 

3. It will cost $200 more to send your child to full-day kindergarten starting in September. The School Committee voted to increase the tuition to $3,400. 

4. Some other activities may cost more as well. In an effort to raise an additional $200,000 in revenue for its next budget year, a number of fees may be boosted. Activities fees for fine arts and athletics  could be raised from the current $185, for instance, though the committee delayed voting on that change until its next meeting on Feb. 1. 

Rental fees charged to community groups may also be boosted and transportation fees are under consideration for the first time. 

The board also agreed that a public educational component was necessary for any changes. "The sooner can make decisions, the sooner we can roll out a solid plan and process to make clear to everyone " how the changes will impact them, said School Committee Chair Karen Henderson. "It's all much more complicated than you think it would be." 

5. fitness room may get a new name. The School Committee has been asked to consider naming it after former teacher and coach Clark Masters. The committee can only vote after a mandatory 60-day waiting period.