Gill-Montague School Committee Adopts Unified Graduation Gown Color Policy

GILL — September 28, 2021 — Gill-Montague School Committee approves unified graduation gown policy and reviews pandemic-era MCAS shortfalls. The committee voted unanimously Tuesday to require each year's senior class to select a unified color or colors for graduation caps and gowns, ending a system that allowed individual color choice between white and blue. Members also approved a $178,187.46 accounts payable warrant and declared surplus a 2003 John Deere tractor, a 2004 F-350 dump truck, and several other aging vehicles and equipment for sale to the highest bidder. Superintendent Brian warned that COVID-19 case counts have more than doubled in Greenfield over 14 days and that the district's middle-high school building has registered only 172 of 472 individuals for state pool testing — well below Hillcrest Elementary's 176 of 186. Curriculum Director Gene Powers presented MCAS data showing the district below state averages in most grades and subjects, with committee member Cassie noting that tested students "had a full year of school in a normal setting" three grade levels earlier. A discussion of superintendent evaluation priority indicators was tabled until the October 13 regular meeting because only a quorum was present.