Athol‑Royalston appoints Emily Muse to open seat; approves FY25 reclassification and routine business

The Athol‑Royalston Regional School Committee on Sept. 17 appointed Emily Muse to fill a vacant committee seat until the next election and moved through several routine financial and facilities items.

Appointment: After hearing statements from three candidates—Emily Muse, Mitch, and Don Worth—the committee made a motion for Emily Muse and voted to appoint her; the chair announced the appointee and noted she may sit with the committee but cannot vote until sworn in by the town clerk. Emily Muse, an Athol High School graduate and 17‑year Massachusetts National Guard veteran who now works in program management, told the committee she is committed to oversight, transparency and community engagement. “I care deeply about every child in our schools and beyond,” she said.

Budget and finance: Nancy presented the FY25 close, reporting state funding came in $663,762 higher than budgeted (transportation aid notable), a certified balance of $515,281 and a projected excess and deficiency (END) around $900,000. The committee approved a FY25 budget reclassification designed to align expenses with correct account codes; the reclassification moved $489,341.77 into the 2000 (instructional) series from several other series and was approved with no opposition recorded.

Other business: Facilities reported recent repairs and upgrades, including pothole repairs and replacement field lights at the high‑school ball field. The committee also approved in executive session a three‑month long‑term substitute contract to cover a maternity leave, with pay per the contract schedule and potential extension depending on staffing needs.

Provenance: candidate statements and the appointment occurred in the new‑business portion of the meeting; financial details were presented in the finance packet and were discussed and voted during the meeting.