North Middlesex accepts $447,376 in state and earmarked grants for STEM, arts, translation and infrastructure
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Summary
The school committee unanimously accepted $18,651 (STEM equipment), $13,725 (arts/culture), $10,000 (Safe & Supportive Schools), $5,000 (interpreter in education) and two fair‑share earmarks—$150,000 and $250,000—totaling $447,376 to support curriculum, translation, and facility upgrades.
Assistant Superintendent Gary Reese presented multiple awards the district has been offered and recommended for acceptance: a Massachusetts Life Sciences Center STEM equipment and professional development grant for $18,651; a Supporting Arts & Cultural Vitality Teams grant for $13,725; a Safe and Supportive Schools continuation grant for $10,000; an Interpreter in the Education Setting grant for $5,000; and two fair‑share earmarks from the governor’s supplemental budget — $150,000 for repaving the front traffic circle and parking at Farnham Brook and $250,000 for infrastructure upgrades (fire/annunciator panels, exterior doors, and woodwork/parking repairs) at Spalding Memorial and other sites.
Member Randy Rush moved to accept the grants (reading the amounts into the record); Lisa Bloom seconded. The committee conducted a roll‑call vote and approved accepting the grants unanimously. The chair thanked Dr. Reese and the team for pursuing the awards.
The assistant superintendent noted the STEM funds will replenish middle‑school Lego/LEGO‑type kits used in STEM curriculum, the Safe & Supportive Schools funds target professional development around student supports, and the fair‑share earmarks are intended for facilities work identified by operations staff. Members confirmed there appear to be no ongoing costs associated with these grants.