BERNARDSTON — Hoping to secure data it can use to make recommendations to the Pioneer Valley Regional School District, the HEART Committee is using part of a $25,000 grant to have a study done on the school system.
The committee, whose name stands for “Honest Education and Retaining Trust,” decided how to use the Community Compact grant awarded jointly to Northfield and Warwick during a meeting in the Powers Institute.
Having researched a study completed by the Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management at the University of Massachusetts Boston in February on behalf of the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District, committee member Sue O’Reilly-McRae proposed having a similar study done of the Pioneer school district. The study considered the finances, operations, academics and community values of the district; summarized the challenges it faces; and produced a summary of best practice recommendations and possible ways to save money.
After speaking with Adams-Cheshire Superintendent Rob Putnam, O’Reilly-McRae said she thinks such a study would benefit the Pioneer school district.
http://www.mass.gov/governor/administration/groups/communitycompactcabinet/reports/fy16/2017-02-adams-cheshire-regional-school-district-cost-savings-alternatives-report.pdf
“He felt it was very valuable,” she said, explaining it allowed district administrators and community members to have shared information.
The Warwick Selectboard is also in support, according to O’Reilly-McRae and Warwick Selectman Lawrence “Doc” Pruyne.
“We decided we wanted to see some concrete deliverables for this money,” Pruyne said. “I think we need outside help.”
Several committee members agreed, feeling that having a study conducted might better allow the committee to serve its primary purpose of making recommendations regarding how to create a more financially sustainable school system.
“I think it does address some of our issues on how to get the data, because I think we’ve all been just spinning our wheels,” said committee member Renee Keir of Bernardston.
However, committee members also hoped to find a way to keep facilitator Debbie Lynangale, seeing how the committee has used $3,600 of a $6,000 grant to pay for her services. Assuming the committee meets twice monthly, Lynangale will be able to stay until the end of October using the initial grant.
“I think the committee agreed a few months ago we wanted more funds to try to keep Debbie longer,” said committee Secretary Tracy Rogers of Northfield. Funding Lynangale’s position was the original reason Rogers applied for a Community Compact grant.
Committee members agreed Lynangale, being a neutral third party helping to keep members on track, is an important part of the group.
Upon the final vote, the committee agreed to compromise and split the grant: $20,000 toward a study, and $5,000 toward keeping Lynangale well into next year. To have her stay through the end of next school year, Rogers said, would cost between $7,000 and $8,000.
Warwick and Northfield were the only two towns in the district who could apply for the shared grant, since Bernardston and Leyden are already receiving grants for other projects. Some were concerned $20,000 won’t be enough money for a study. O’Reilly-McRae said the Adams-Cheshire school district paid for the study using a $35,000 Community Compact grant, also bringing in an unknown amount of outside money. The committee has yet to reach out to any data analysis organizations for quotes.
Still, with town officials willing to support the committee’s endeavors, it could receive help from the towns, other grants or fundraising efforts.
“If this committee does great work, I won’t hesitate going to town meeting and asking for funds for this group,” Bernardston Selectman Robert Raymond said.
Before the money can be awarded, the committee must have its plan approved by both Northfield and Warwick’s selectboards.
Reach Shelby Ashline at: sashline@recorder.com
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