On April 13, Mohawk School Committee presented long-range future increases for FY18 and FY19 indicating Mohawk would need an additional one-half million dollars for those fiscal years.
Remember back in May 2007, Buckland, Colrain and Hawley “twice rejected” Mohawk’s budget? Thanks to those brave voting citizens, a “reduced” budget ultimately passed in November and Rome did not fall!
It was painful listening to the pink-slip paranoia, loss of services rhetoric and state oversight fears. With Mohawk’s upcoming $19 million budget looming over taxpayers’ heads, town services being threatened and unheard of town cutbacks in play, budget rejection is a very appealing solution.
The committee voiced ideas to achieve a healthier district, such as enticing Hawlemont to relinquish their independence and join the district. Mohawk would control Hawlemont as an anchor school offering farming experience, restructure Colrain elementary by leaving pre-K and lower grades at that facility but transporting older students out of community — an attractive buy-in for Rowe to rejoin Mohawk. Rowe’s re-entry approval to Mohawk is currently on member town warrants. Rowe voters would decide later if they wish to get back into bed with Mohawk Regional when not so many years ago the two entities had a well-covered messy divorce. Signing on with a district that offers a $19 million under-level-service budget and predicts half-million yearly increases is an unknown outcome for sure.
If above ideas pass, transportation costs would increase across the board.
Also, it was announced that excess operating funds exist and money is available. With that extra money, the committee voted to go-ahead and purchase an anonymous-type survey soliciting parents/students/staff feedback throughout the district. It was hard to figure out how we taxpayers outside this “elite” group get to express our views. I’m guessing we do that with our “no” vote at town meeting in May.
LYNNE KELSEY
Buckland