[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6084484,"mediaKeyId","2914877-0e8ea9e725d2c66808c95bdb99bf4d3a","parentId",2914877,"title","Committee establishes aviation task force and approves routine items including Active Minds club, travel and auditor contract","audioSeconds",110,"startMs",2385204,"endMs",2495805,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2914877-0e8ea9e725d2c66808c95bdb99bf4d3a&start=2385&end=2495","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2914877-0e8ea9e725d2c66808c95bdb99bf4d3a/thumbnail_2385204.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6084484/Massachusetts/Committee-establishes-aviation-task-force-and-approves-routine-items-including-Active-Minds-club-travel-and-auditor-contract","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084484-b4793b47e007eb58413a4c06d2c8fcbf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165031&Signature=LL48~ZH7wLLko76wgRJHIGeUW7Mh2ufqfb50jR4-h8cBYdGMZGIZj1eJwAK39sfo~M44~p-I3JOAdFkOMlts1V-88-8HoZ1pca2rj7yXu7lic3L5lbALL1z0JD7SRG4zIjDgXVyBb1xhdr19EnH4bKUwtxUxLQxt4qdl6Emd1YQcGRwy02dJAG-eWKfVPFuKtgz1jM0oQcTrgXLV0ZSrz1xJJEYeKkmBksUjmjOTdCStN1jySlKi371HJPcEpTRNr330cmrS-2j668uNwyEahAY4FrTh5q2GNWESx6pSTwBWMp8qUn7yQhHryJnKuLJiUUagkmj0TRvKgHN0vMi-bA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical, MA","date","2025-04-09T12:07:18Z","article","At its April 8 meeting the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School Committee voted to form an aviation program task force and approved a slate of routine motions by voice vote, including a student club, travel requests and renewal of an auditor contract.

The committee voted to establish the aviation program task force and invited committee members to serve. Dr. Mahlon was nominated as chair of the task force and members from each member community volunteered to serve; the administration said it will begin outreach to local airport partners and institutions with aviation programs and target a report back by October.

Nut graf: The aviation task force will investigate feasibility and is expected to operate over several months; committee members also cleared routine operational items that will allow student activities and program operations to proceed.

The committee approved the formation of the task force by voice vote. The superintendent said he expects a six-to-eight month effort with a staff lead assigned and a goal of bringing recommendations by October. The administration said it will reach out to Bridgewater State and local airport stakeholders and that the task force membership can expand as the work proceeds.

In a separate set of voice votes the committee:
- Accepted the minutes of the March 11, 2025 meeting and approved bills as presented.
- Voted to establish an \"Active Minds\" student activity club after members reviewed the supporting communications and a motion was made and seconded.
- Approved renewal of the three-year auditor contract with Hague Sahady & Company, P.C., as included in the meeting packet.
- Approved out-of-state travel for BPA students to attend the national conference in Orlando in May 2025 (administration later reported 35 students planned to attend and 13 first-place qualifiers, 16 second-place qualifiers at the state level).
- Approved out-of-state travel for visual communications students to visit the RISD Museum in Providence on a date to be determined.
- Designated surplus equipment as presented in the packet.

Ending: The committee placed information items on file, noted upcoming events (advisory dinner on April 9) and adjourned following the motions. The administration said it will convene the aviation task force next month and circulate membership and stakeholder outreach plans.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","GNBVT School Committee Meeting - April 8, 2025 - Part 2","oneSentenceSummary","The committee voted to form an aviation program task force, named Dr. Mahlon chair, and approved several routine items by voice vote including acceptance of minutes, renewal of the auditor contract, student club formation and out-of-state travel requests.","taxTitle","Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",46542,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6084489,"School committee receives first reading of FY26 operating budget that increases revenues by $2.17 million",696,1204125,1901065,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2914877-0e8ea9e725d2c66808c95bdb99bf4d3a&start=1204&end=1901","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2914877-0e8ea9e725d2c66808c95bdb99bf4d3a/thumbnail_1204125.jpg","/articles/6084489/Massachusetts/School-committee-receives-first-reading-of-FY26-operating-budget-that-increases-revenues-by-217-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084489-e325c88145dddd5e7bab502563c93f76/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165031&Signature=gsVFu2XD2GAqx1hHCi~lzXmaJUCzxWoUNCOFSXUIzzx-oNNUEJ1SlHkcK22dLTygu0v4TnQhUFKdB8MXeSQCuknAQ87JEryO4t3vQYz0AtvCC2KU7gIeHJmM1Gu-LaWmbOdYyHoKJcCO48MPxoF124hAbCu~qihkJf7DbPwZq2CmsqffdhRJfbMjlnyYHDT7OTiyrJdaxnVt5Ldm1s0PBzL0C0t9erfK6OC4N4ajWxR-WYawrEr04VC4~3ae-T~JhKBSCn8SyNb549BwKFkoSDALsH7hoMkNt8RBqZB81FM2tMr2UvN5q0DIYFnkHBuCVqCk7tGKAN5hDUtJRc-K2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Michael Watson presented the fiscal year 2026 operating budget to the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School Committee on Tuesday, describing revenue increases, contractual obligations and planned reallocations for next year.

Watson told the committee FY26 total revenues are increasing by $2,168,405 and walked members through enrollment-based assessments, state Chapter 70 aid and district-fixed costs. \"The total revenues to greater than the total 10 for the next fiscal year are increasing by $2,168,405,\" he said, noting Chapter 70 aid and regional transportation adjustments were major drivers.

Nut graf: The first reading highlighted personnel and benefit pressures — including a 3.25% cost-of-living adjustment and an 8.9% projected health-care increase — and outlined staffing reallocations and targeted program expansions ahead of a public hearing and second reading on April 29.

Watson said the budget includes approximately $1.23 million to fully fund contractual salary obligations that cover a 3.25% cost-of-living adjustment and step/lane increases, and about $618,000 to cover a forecasted 8.9% increase in health-care costs. He said those two items together account for the bulk of the revenue increase and leave limited discretionary funds.

The presentation included enrollment data (2,163 students as of Oct. 1), and community shares showing Dartmouth at just under 15% of enrollment, another district partner at 7.7% and New Bedford representing roughly three-quarters of students. Watson explained the Chapter 70 funding formula determines minimum contributions and can yield higher assessments for communities with different relative ability to pay.

Watson outlined personnel moves that he said would be made by reallocating existing positions rather than adding new payroll dollars. \"There will be new positions, new responsibilities, or realignment of tasks. No new dollars. No new bodies,\" Watson said. The FY26 proposal also includes targeted expansions in student life and athletics (about $86,000), additional CTE supplies and credentialing (roughly $28,000), and approximately $100,000 for facilities inflationary increases. Watson said capital renovation planning includes a $1.5 million figure that the administration will break down upon request.

Committee members asked for clarifications on purchase vs. lease for technology and on a project list for the capital renovations; the administration agreed to provide a detailed breakdown prior to the April 29 second reading and public hearing. Watson said the formal vote to approve the FY26 budget will take place at the April 29 meeting after the public hearing.

Ending: The committee unanimously voted to receive the first reading of the FY26 operating budget; the public hearing and second reading are scheduled for April 29, at which the committee will vote to adopt or amend the budget.","Superintendent Watson presented the FY26 first-read budget showing a $2,168,405 revenue increase driven by Chapter 70 aid and transportation; the committee voted to receive the first reading and scheduled a public hearing and second reading for April 29.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6084492,"Greater New Bedford VocTech reports progress on strategic plan and launches pilots for MTSS, scheduling and inclusive instruction",135,8880,144300,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2914877-0e8ea9e725d2c66808c95bdb99bf4d3a&start=8&end=144","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2914877-0e8ea9e725d2c66808c95bdb99bf4d3a/thumbnail_8880.jpg","/articles/6084492/Massachusetts/Greater-New-Bedford-VocTech-reports-progress-on-strategic-plan-and-launches-pilots-for-MTSS-scheduling-and-inclusive-instruction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084492-75c3c27ea2e4ec335c686b815cd548f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165031&Signature=U7ITAEtBU-NlJpU3bMUDtoeUWWlO9RklKnkmWp9Uw3V395rrTGTcti3cA7chZGD6xT1VTgVkWFUNWASLiUA5hWIL~jNLPIDCBt4kiZpVYL1sYcQlmHjgy5R2wBe~tcxHvXq7KxaWQfZcIR7qiEdfS8oH~ODbNDNZ4Zr~FsX64mld0iHHm33gt9HZIWipwxRQUNFKwJSs-kR4R~DTF2YWQrphIN9vpjBL5c8xBjYwhcEZ2BARQiPEhV3~Y~Wu3tZfo6It3j64jBV0ZyqPU3RXLb5eISi4-TDlFWzIG13Vf3X59PD~e3-sCCmQuW~6odyFCOffV3ooRMLSBo-FLO-6Fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Michael Watson on Tuesday updated the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School District Committee on midyear progress toward the district's 2024–25 strategic plan, outlining work on exploratory programs, a phased multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), and new professional-development and scheduling pilots.

Watson said the district has formed an eight-member team of exploratory teachers working to update rubrics and exploratory binders and that final guidance from the career and technical education director is expected in early May. \"We are starting to look at new exploratory binders as well as a way to try to get kids access to all of the exploratory programs,\" Watson said.

The superintendent told the committee the exploratory changes are a scheduling challenge and will not be implemented in the fall. He described the current work as a \"mid second half of the year update\" and said the goal for 2024–25 is to redesign how exploratory learning is structured so students can sample programs more equitably.

Nut graf: The presentation outlined concrete next steps and pilot programs that affect classroom practice, scheduling and student supports — including districtwide training on accommodations, a phased MTSS rollout next year and a pilot of an in-school scheduling block supported by the MyFlex app to expand access to tutoring and make-up time.

Watson said the district will deliver accommodation matrices and training to educators by the May 2 professional-development half day; he reported all 212 district teachers and many assistants are expected to have completed an initial training by early May. \"This is an initial training program, but all of the district's 212 teachers, and many teachers and assistants will be trained in this initiative by the end by the May, which is a great accomplishment,\" he said.

Watson described the MTSS work as near completion for initial design and said full implementation will begin next school year. The district plans a scheduling redesign for the 2026–27 year that would create a period in the middle of the day to deliver tiered supports. The superintendent said that scheduling change also is reflected in his FY26 budget proposal before the committee.

Principal Wally Williams expanded on program-level activity and student work tied to the strategic plan, highlighting partnerships and applied projects across CTE academies. Williams described student-built construction projects, energy-efficiency upgrades led by the electrical program, awards for students in plumbing and HVAC, and Mass CTE recognition for student work. \"Our folks do some awesome work,\" Williams said, listing community projects and student recognitions that he said demonstrate the connection between the strategic-plan objectives and classroom practice.

Watson also described plans for a districtwide teacher-learning-walk protocol and a pilot implementation for next school year, and said the parent-advisory and superintendent-student advisory committees will be integrated to strengthen family and student voice. The district is planning a Freshman Parent Night for September 2025 to supplement orientation. The superintendent acknowledged challenges with transportation and equity for after-school supports and identified the MyFlex scheduling app as the pilot technology to let students sign up for targeted academic help.

Ending: Watson said he will revisit the strategic-plan goals at the committee's June meeting and provide follow-ups in May. Several committee members thanked staff for the update and the district indicated written status materials were included in the meeting packet.","Superintendent Watson and school leaders described midyear progress on a multi-year strategic plan including exploratory-program redesign, districtwide professional development on accommodations, early MTSS rollout and a MyFlex pilot to expand after-school supports.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee establishes aviation task force and approves routine items including Active Minds club, travel and auditor contract

School committee receives first reading of FY26 operating budget that increases revenues by $2.17 million

Greater New Bedford VocTech reports progress on strategic plan and launches pilots for MTSS, scheduling and inclusive instruction