Gill-Montague School Committee Approves Student Opportunity Act Plan Unanimously

GILL — March 26, 2024 — Gill-Montague School Committee approves three-year Student Opportunity Act plan and $296,568 Unit C contract transfer. The committee voted unanimously at its March 26 remote meeting to adopt the state-required SOA plan, which targets English language learner programming, social-emotional health, and support for students with disabilities — areas identified from MCAS and district data showing persistent gaps for high-needs subgroups, including students with disabilities and English learners, 22 of whom enrolled this school year alone. The district currently receives just under $30,000 in SOA funds annually, roughly $30 per student, while remaining in held-harmless status. Separately, the board unanimously approved $296,568 to fund negotiated raises under the newly settled Unit C contract and cleared two warrants totaling $5,209,379. Three speakers during public comment urged the committee to reverse FY25 cuts to first-grade instructional assistant positions, with kindergarten teacher Jessica Fox noting that Sheffield Elementary, where one proposed cut falls, serves a population that is 73 percent high-needs. Superintendent Brian announced two finalists for the Director of Pupil Services vacancy: Karina Wieslo from Irving Union 28 and Matthew Holloway from the Narragansett School District, with a formal appointment vote expected April 9.