Gill-Montague School Committee Delays Hybrid Vote, Schedules Emergency Meeting for Sept. 29

GILL — September 22, 2020 — Gill-Montague School Committee delays hybrid reopening vote a fourth consecutive time, citing incomplete HVAC reports. With ventilation assessments completed for three of four district buildings but the Sheffield Elementary report still outstanding, Superintendent Brian (last name unconfirmed) asked the committee Tuesday to hold a tentative emergency meeting September 29 at 6:30 p.m. rather than vote on a model change without full data. Estimated repair costs have already surpassed $80,000 in air scrubbers and purifiers, with additional mechanical repairs approaching $100,000. Four educators addressed the committee in public comment — all urging continued remote learning — including Gill-Montague Education Association President Carl Juron, who called DESE's pressure on districts to reopen "a misuse of authority." The committee unanimously approved five other items, including a transportation memorandum of agreement reflecting a 6.8 percent cost reduction and a $17,600 donation from Greenfield Savings Bank for a new softball backstop.