NORTHFIELD — The long-awaited move of Pioneer Valley Regional School District’s central office is complete, with administrators settling into their new home on Pioneer’s upper floor.
The School Committee approved the move to rooms 402, 403 and 407 last month, after which administrators and custodians packed and moved everything from the leased space at 168 Main St. Assistant Superintendent Gail Healy said everything was moved Thursday, with administrators using Friday to unpack.
“It’s the perfect space,” Superintendent Ruth Miller said. “It’s great for kids (and) we didn’t take anybody else’s space, it was space that was available.”
The move affected four classrooms and one closet space, not simply the three rooms that were approved by the School Committee. The special education office is in room 402, payroll and accounts payable is in room 403, and technology services is in room 407. Healy and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Pam Lawrence have their offices in room 410, and Miller’s office is in room 414, which was formerly the office of Dean of Students Cathy Hawkins-Harrison.
Miller explained her position requires she have a room to herself to keep meetings confidential, and with extra space available, administrators decided to make use of it.
“They’re empty and it didn’t make sense not to use them given the confidentiality issues,” she said. “It really wasn’t a vote (the School Committee) needed to take.”
With significant staff layoffs at the end of the 2016-2017 school year, several classrooms were available for the central office, though computer and science labs were left alone. Moving upstairs was considered the most cost-effective option, as the district wouldn’t need to spend any money installing air conditioning.
By moving back to the Pioneer campus, the district eliminates $3,030 per month in leasing costs, while allowing administrators to work more closely to students.
“Everybody’s really happy to have us in the school,” Miller said. “We’re going to be part of the culture, and I think that’s important.”