Finance Committee backs ordinance to add grant‑funded center director for teen services

The Finance Committee recommended the Gardner City Council advance an ordinance amending Chapter 8 (Personnel) to add a grant‑funded “new center director” position aimed at providing a school‑year teen center for grades 6–12 at the Elm Street School Center.

Mister Maric, a city staff member, said the position responds to the “amicable dissolution” of the Gardner Clubhouse of the Boys and Girls Club and is intended to preserve services for students who previously used the Clubhouse. He said students in grades 5 and under would be absorbed into the city’s existing after‑school program while the new position would support grades 6–12.

Maric told the committee the position would be paid from a state earmark grant recently approved and would be a pilot for the coming school year; the ordinance will include a sunset clause so the council can review whether to continue the role. He also said the job description in the packet was a draft and that Director Morris remained out on vacation and would finalize details.

Committee members suggested adding responsibilities for grant research to help sustain funding and requested an employment agreement clarifying hours, benefits and school‑year expectations before the position begins. The committee voted unanimously to recommend the ordinance be sent to the full council for first printing.