Quabbin school committee approves DECA/school‑store revolving account, moves student activity funds and notes $81,200 rural aid shortfall
Summary
The committee voted to close two student activity accounts (DECA and the school store) and transfer funds into a new revolving account under M.G.L. c.44, §53E1/2, discussed a $6,500 initial transfer and considered a $10,000 cap; administrators also reported financial aid funding of $678,803 and a rural school aid shortfall of $81,200 versus budget.
The Quabbin Regional School Committee voted to establish a new DECA/school‑store revolving account and to close two existing student activity accounts, transferring their balances into the new fund, the school business administrator said. The motion, read under Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 44, section 53E1/2, directs that the DECA and school‑store student activity accounts be closed and remaining funds moved into a revolving account to better track revenues and expenditures tied to those activities.
School business administrator Ali told the committee the immediate transfer would include roughly $6,500 and recommended setting an ending‑balance cap tied to one year's activity; committee members discussed a $10,000 figure as illustrative and requested the administration return with a concrete cap value and policy language at the next meeting. The establishment of the revolving account passed on a roll‑call vote after discussion about revenue limits and appropriate oversight.
Administrators also reported broader fiscal context: the district received $678,803 in financial aid, below the $760,000 figure the budget had assumed, creating an $81,200 delta the committee must absorb. The superintendent and business manager said they plan to ‘‘tighten up’’ the budget and asked committees to prioritize necessary requests as part of their FY work. The business administrator noted she is reviewing 21 student activity accounts for consolidation and said other sport and club accounts could be better managed under athletics or district revolving funds to reduce general‑fund burden.
The committee directed the administration to return with precise cap recommendations and policy language at the next meeting and approved the motion to create the revolving account and transfer the named funds tonight. The consent agenda earlier in the meeting also included acceptance of four public donations and approval of October 15 minutes and warrants; the committee approved those items by roll call.
