CONWAY — Conway Grammar School held its first day of classes Aug. 28. But come next month, that won’t be the only place to get an education in town.
The upcoming Town Academy will consist of a series of programs presented by Conway’s government officials to better inform citizens about their local government and to encourage more people to participate on boards and committees. The academy is meant to provide opportunities to learn about town taxation, finances and budgeting; the everyday responsibilities of the town administrator and Selectboard; and the work of various town departments and services.
Town Administrator Tom Hutcheson called the program “experimental.”
“We’re really hoping that people do come and respond, and give us good feedback so we can refine it and have it be something every year,” he said.
The meetings are slated for 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays from Oct. 3 to Nov. 21. However, there will be no meeting on Oct. 31 because of Halloween. The meetings will be held at the Town Hall General Purpose Room.
According to information from Hutcheson, the program will consist of presentations that enable people to meet department heads and learn about their duties, find out who is on the department’s staff, understand typical annual operations and review departmental budgets.
Hutcheson spoke about the idea of a “citizens’ academy” during a Selectboard meeting nearly a year ago, mentioning that Pittsfield, Auburn, Wenham, Weston and Lexington have similar ones.
“It’s part of a growing movement of civic education,” he said, adding that he chairs the civic education committee of the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association. “It’s a new idea for people.”
At that Selectboard meeting last year, member Philip Kantor said he was skeptical that people would regularly participate. Chair John O’Rourke said the academy sounded like a good idea.
“A lot of people don’t understand the processes and the procedures behind what all the committees or boards or councils do,” he said.
Hutcheson estimates the academy will cost taxpayers roughly “a few hundred dollars” for publicity, binders filled with information and possibly some refreshments for participants.
For more information, including the schedule, or to sign up, visit townofconway.com. Or, contact Hutcheson at selectboard@conway.com or 413-369-4235, ext. 3, or Lisa Turowsky, assistant to the town administrator, at assistant@townofconway.com or 413-369-4235, ext. 0.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.