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School committee approves JV soccer teams, raises substitute nurse rate and signs off on FY25 closeout
Summary
At its July 21 meeting the Blackstone‑Millville School Committee approved adding JV boys’ and girls’ soccer teams, increased the substitute nurse daily rate from $120 to $150, accepted a STEM equipment grant, approved FY25 closeout and several encumbrances, and authorized a hazardous waste drop‑off event.
The Blackstone‑Millville School Committee on July 21 approved a set of routine and programmatic measures, including adding junior varsity boys’ and girls’ soccer teams and increasing the daily rate for substitute nurses.
The committee voted, by voice, to add JV teams for both boys and girls soccer after the athletic director outlined registration numbers and argued the change would sustain playing time and program strength. "I would like to motion to approve the JV positions for both boys and girls soccer," a committee member said; the motion was seconded and the chair announced the ayes carried.
The committee also voted to raise the substitute nurse daily rate from $120 to $150 to remain competitive for candidates. Administration estimated the change would increase district costs by about $1,350 based on last year’s roughly 45 nurse‑sub days. "We had our nurse leader go through some surrounding towns to find out the rates…what we'd like to propose is to increase the amount to $150 for the nurse so we can be competitive," the interim superintendent said.
Financial business included approval of budget journal entries and the FY25 closeout submission. Director of finance Joe Spagna told members the district projects a positive position and noted stronger transportation fund carryover tied to a state per‑pupil increase. The committee also approved encumbering $82,233.81 for prior‑year purchase orders and maintenance items and accepted a STEM equipment grant for $39,708 (including $10,000 for professional development).
Other administrative approvals included authorization for surplus equipment and a technology swap with another district and formal approval of a hazardous‑waste drop‑off for Blackstone residents scheduled for August. Several motions were carried by voice vote with no roll‑call tallies recorded in the minutes.
The committee scheduled follow‑up reporting where requested (for example, further detail on fire‑extinguisher replacement needs and costs at the August meeting). The meeting then moved to executive session on collective bargaining and litigation.
