Gardner School Committee votes to approve $37.6M budget for fiscal year 2026

The Gardner School Committee convened on April 14, 2025, to discuss critical topics impacting the district, including the fiscal year 2026 school budget and various policy updates. The meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and addressing logistical challenges within the school system.

A significant focus of the meeting was the approval of the school budget for FY 2026, which totals $37,676,548. The budget was presented by Superintendent Pellegrino and received unanimous support from the committee members during a roll call vote. This financial plan is crucial for maintaining and improving educational services, as it reflects the district's priorities and resource allocation for the upcoming year.

Director Hock also brought attention to the Massachusetts Vocational Technical (MVP) program, which has been beneficial for students participating in vocational courses such as electrical and carpentry. The program, in collaboration with Monty Tech, is expected to expand to include plumbing, further enhancing vocational training opportunities for students. The funding from Chapter 74, associated with this program, is directed to Monty Tech for vocational courses, while the Gardner School District manages academic courses.

In addition to budget discussions, the committee addressed logistical issues regarding transportation. A cooperative bus bid was attempted but ultimately failed to attract interest, leading the district to proceed with a city-only bid. This situation underscores ongoing challenges in securing reliable transportation services for students.

The meeting also included updates from the finance and policy subcommittees. The finance subcommittee reported on the completion of the Gardner High School auditorium and the need for an overhaul of the original elevator, which has faced repeated breakdowns. The policy subcommittee reviewed several policies, with some requiring further information before being finalized.

As the meeting concluded, the committee moved forward with various appointments, including Dr. Pellegrino's nomination to represent the district in the Keystone Collaborative and the CAPS collaborative. These appointments are essential for ensuring that the district remains engaged with broader educational initiatives and collaborations.

Overall, the Gardner School Committee's meeting reflected a proactive approach to budgeting, policy management, and community engagement, setting the stage for continued improvements in the district's educational offerings. The next steps will involve further discussions on policy updates and ongoing monitoring of budget implementation as the fiscal year progresses.