Finance Committee
Minutes Holden Finance Committee, March 4,2021
Remote via Zoom
Members Present: Paul Challenger, Joe Dolak, John Lambert, Chris Lucchesi, Don Graves, Jane Titcomb, Marilynn Foley
Members Absent: Dave White, Stephanie Adams
Also Present: Sheila Harrity, Supertendent MRVTHS, Tammy Crockett, Business Manager MRTVHS
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 PM.
The Superintendent gave an overview of Montachusett Regional Technical Vocational High School (MRTVHS) programs. There are 21 technical programs offered. Many of the programs educate students to be able to enter the work world upon graduation. Some programs enable students to also earn college credits. MRTVHS has adult evening programs that are very busy.
Sheila discussed how the Covid 19 pandemic affected the MRTVHS District. The District became very innovative is dealing with the pandemic. The school has been open since September 2020. The school went to hybrid learning 3 days remote and 2 days in school. The students had assigned seating in the gym that was converted into a cafeteria, so there were 2 cafeterias to run. Sheila praised the cafeteria staff for their efforts. Although the dining facility that had been open to the public was closed the staff and students provided meals for pickup. The district partnered with the Fitchburg Boys and Girls Club to run a child care program for staff that allowed parents to keep working while the children were meeting their educational requirements under the supervision of the staff.
Tammy discussed the F/Y 23 Budget. MRTVHS received federal and state pandemic grants for PPE, equipment, wire service and reopening of school. They will receive $30.00 more per pupil from Chapter 70 in FY22, which is consistent with other districts. There are additional open slots for Holden students to attend. The district contracts with bus companies that service the different towns. The tentive assessment for Holden for F/Y23 is $962,972.00, which the Committee found to be a reasonable increase, since it includes more Holden students attending the school.
The meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marilynn Foley, Clerk