The transportation bid process is a key to the FY25 Old Rochester Regional and Mattapoisett Schools’ budget, according to ORR Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson, who introduced an Initial Budget Discussion during the Mattapoisett School Committee’s January 31 public meeting.
“That’s a big domino for us,” said Nelson, recognizing a statewide trend in increased cost, as the committee began its review and discussion of the FY25 Budget.
Nelson anticipates holding a budget subcommittee meeting in the very near future. He was waiting on the closing out of the transportation bid process. As of the January 31 meeting, the busing contract for all six ORR District schools was out for bid.
After distributing estimates for shared services, Nelson projects a public hearing on the budget for late winter/early spring.
In her Chairperson’s Report, Carly Lavin focused on the midway point of the school-year journey, that passage offering an opportunity to reflect, take stock and then look ahead to the second half of the academic calendar.
“The first half of the year has been a testament to resilience, commitment and innovation by our educational community. Our students have not only advanced academically, they’ve also grown as individuals, learning lessons … and responsibility,” said Lavin, reading from a prepared statement.
Lavin credited the teachers for their part in helping shape the character of their students. She praised the faculty for its adaptability, considering it key to overcoming any obstacles, and described the teachers’ creativity and resourcefulness as inspiring.
“I think, as we look forward, the second half of the year holds so much promise,” said Lavin, stressing the importance of collaboration between teachers, parents, the administration and the school committee.
In the Administration Report, Nelson was happy to note that newsletters are forthcoming from all six schools on the new ORR District website and that the “ORRconnect” mobile app has officially been launched. He called it a big step in enhancing communications. The app gives real-time updates in all manner of information sharing and messages. He also encouraged constituents to follow the ORR Connect Facebook page.
Dr. Shari Fedorowicz said monthly implementation meetings continue on the rollout of the district-wide literacy program and anticipated a Literacy Night scheduled for February 7.
“Literacy is our primary focus right now,” said Nelson, noting that the district is being “very careful” not to create initiative fatigue.
Dr. Laura Ashley, the principal at Center School, reported on a standing-room-only crowd for a recent Kindergarten initiation night and said the second and third graders were enriched by a visit with the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra.
Nelson announced that the principal’s job for Old Hammondtown School has been posted and that he would soon be forming a search committee. Kevin Tavares is retiring at the end of the school year.
The meeting began with a recognition presentation. Two new staffers were welcomed, including Steve Medeiros the groundskeeper and principal’s secretary Erin Monteforte, and two staff members, music teacher Willow Dowling and Center School secretary Lori Sevigny, were recognized as they leave the ORR District.
Committee member Jim Muse, attending the meeting via Zoom, said Sevigny set an example for all people in every level of the school district to follow. During her report, Lavin echoed Muse’s sentiments.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, at 6:30 pm at Center School and live via Zoom.
Mattapoisett School Committee
By Mick Colageo