District hires IT director, advances track project and authorizes coach pay

The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee on June 1 announced several operational steps: the hiring of Taylor Rai as the district's new IT director, next steps on a planned track resurfacing tied to authorized borrowing, and authorization for district business staff to pay the girls lacrosse coach at the proper stipend level.

Nicholas, speaking for district operations, said Taylor Rai will begin work July 1 and comes from a nearby regional district; the committee welcomed the hire. "On July 1, Taylor Rai will begin with us," Nicholas said. The hiring will be reflected in personnel rosters and the committee invited Rai to introduce himself at the first meeting after July 1.

On the track project, Nicholas told the committee that with borrowing authorized he will prepare bid specifications for public posting. He said the vendor estimated the installation would take about two weeks excluding weather delays: "barring a lot of rainy days... it's about a 2 week project," he said. The committee discussed limited fall-sports impact and possible use of nearby fields as backups; members agreed he should proceed with procurement and bring recommended contract awards back to the committee as required.

Nicholas also reported vandalism to the Powder Mill playscape surfacing and that he will file an insurance claim; an adjuster will inspect the damage and the district will pursue repairs or replacement as recommended by the insurer.

On compensation, the committee authorized the director of business development to pay the girls lacrosse coach at the appropriate level — JV or varsity — consistent with years of service and the district stipend grid so the coach is made whole immediately. Robert Stephenson moved the authorization and the motion passed 5–0–0.

Committee members asked staff to return with bid details, procurement schedules and any required contract awards for formal committee action.