Gill-Montague School Committee Resubmits Roof Application, Eyes New Elementary Buildings

GILL — March 22, 2022 — Gill-Montague School Committee resubmits Gill Elementary roof application and opens new-school conversation. Superintendent Brian Beck presented building condition data showing nearly $7 million in five-year capital needs at Hillcrest and Sheffield elementary schools, and outlined a rough estimate of $55 million for a new construction or addition-renovation project — with the Massachusetts School Building Authority potentially reimbursing approximately 76 percent and leaving Montague with about $13 million, or roughly $825,000 per year over 20 years. The committee voted unanimously to authorize Beck to submit the MSBA statement of interest for a Gill Elementary roof replacement, marking the sixth consecutive year the district has filed that application. Director of Teaching and Learning Gene Powers presented a revised Turner's Falls High School program of studies — approved unanimously — adding three AP courses through Virtual High School and new innovation pathway offerings. The committee also declined, without a formal vote, to enter a 20-year solar subscription deal estimated to save the district only about $4,000 annually against an electric bill exceeding $300,000.