Hoosac Valley Regional School Committee elects Fred Lora chair, approves calendar and treasurer appointment

Fred Lora was elected chair of the Hoosac Valley Regional School Committee after a roll-call vote that ended 4–3 at the committee’s May 18 meeting at Hoosac Valley High School.

The committee also completed its annual reorganization and routine administrative business. Tracey Tierney was approved unanimously as vice chair. The Business Manager, Erica, introduced Camie La Mica, CPA, as the nominee to succeed retiring Treasurer Dick Jetty; members voted unanimously to appoint La Mica effective June 30. Erica told the committee that the Treasurer’s responsibilities include independent oversight of cash transactions, borrowing, warrants and audits and that the role typically requires “two to three hours every other week.”

Members reviewed the district’s contract with Dupere Law Offices, which has served as district counsel since 2020 under a $1,500 monthly retainer for labor matters and related legal services.

The committee approved an authorization for the District Treasurer to borrow in anticipation of revenue under General Laws Chapter 71, Section 16(g) (as amended) and in accordance with Chapter 44; Business Manager Erica described the authorization as a routine legal safeguard and the motion passed unanimously.

On operational items, the committee approved the 2026–27 academic calendar after clarifications: new teacher induction is scheduled for Aug. 24; staff professional development is Aug. 25–27; the committee confirmed classes will resume Jan. 4 and that the district will observe Juneteenth on June 18. The amended calendar passed unanimously.

Communications lead Kristen Palatt requested and the committee approved a Career Pathways field trip for approximately 20–30 Business, Marketing and Finance pathway students to tour the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Windsor, Connecticut on June 10. The trip is fully funded by the Innovation Career Pathway Experience Grant and will be at no cost to students.

Committee members received an update from the negotiations subcommittee: labor contract talks with union representatives remain active, details of tentative agreements cannot be released until an agreement is reached, and any tentative agreement will undergo legal review and be presented for discussion and ratification in open session (a special meeting may be necessary depending on timing).

Subcommittee appointments will be finalized at the June 15 meeting; the committee also tentatively scheduled a one-day strategic planning and Open Meeting Law training retreat for Sept. 19 at the Mount Greylock Glen Center.

The committee approved the April 27, 2026 meeting minutes (vote recorded 5–0 with two abstentions) and adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Election of Chair: Fred Lora — passed (roll call 4–3). - Election of Vice Chair: Tracey Tierney — passed (unanimous). - Treasurer appointment: Camie La Mica, CPA — passed (unanimous); takes effect June 30. - Assistant Treasurer: Fred Lora — passed (unanimous). - Secretary: Aaron Dean — passed (unanimous). - Authorization to borrow (Gen. Laws ch.71 §16(g)/ch.44): passed (unanimous). - Approval of April 27, 2026 minutes: passed (5–0–2 abstentions). - 2026–27 academic calendar: passed (unanimous). - Career Pathways field trip to Amazon, June 10: passed (unanimous).

What’s next: The committee will finalize subcommittee assignments at the June 15 meeting; the June 15 agenda includes district improvement data, literacy updates and standards-based grading triangulation. If a tentative contract is reached before the next regular meeting, the committee may call a special session for review and ratification.