Gill-Montague School Committee approves new high school courses, eyes July graduation

GILL -- May 26, 2020, Gill-Montague school committee approves expanded Turner's Falls High School curriculum and plans July 23 graduation. The committee voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a revised program of studies featuring more than a dozen new courses, including a journalism class tied to a partnership with the Montague newspaper, AP European History, Forensic Science, and expanded Graphic Arts offerings. On graduation, a survey of responding senior families showed strong preference for a July 23 outdoor football-field ceremony over a drive-by option in June, after state health officials blocked a planned June 5 field ceremony less than 24 hours after the local board of health approved it. Superintendent Michael told the board the district is bracing for up to $800,000 in reduced state aid against the fiscal year 2021 budget, holding seven of eight planned new hires and potentially issuing two reduction-in-force notices to paraprofessionals before the June 15 contractual deadline. Business Manager Joanne flagged a $135,000 discrepancy in the district's excess-and-deficiency history table and said a corrected document would be sent the following day.