Gill-Montague School Committee Eyes Potential $55 Million New Elementary School

GILL -- November 23, 2021, Gill-Montague School Committee previews a potential $55 million new Montague elementary school and approves warrants topping $222,000. Business Manager Joanne presented capital planning data showing nearly $7 million in recommended repairs over five years at Hillcrest and Sheffield schools, framing a new consolidated building, estimated at $40 million to $60 million with an MSBA reimbursement rate of 76 percent, as a potentially lower annual cost alternative at roughly $800,000 per year versus $1.4 million annually under the repair scenario. The district's excess and deficiency fund was certified at just over $900,000, and school choice revolving revenue has dropped from roughly $900,000 in fiscal 2018 to an anticipated $550,000 in fiscal 2022. Superintendent Brian announced school would close November 24 due to rising COVID-19 cases, noting Franklin County had reached CDC high-transmission status with the town of Orange recording a 7.29 percent positivity rate. The committee also learned that member Joanna Booty had resigned her Montague seat, with letters of interest due December 13.