Gill-Montague School Committee Sets Timeline to Fill Gill Vacancy, Approves New Courses

GILL — April 13, 2021 — Gill-Montague School Committee sets May 11 appointment date to fill a Gill vacancy and navigates a split election calendar. Chair Jane Kaufman explained that the regional agreement requires — not merely permits — filling the vacant Gill seat, with letters of interest due to Superintendent Brian Beck by April 27 and an appointment vote expected at the May 11 meeting. The Gill election is May 17 and the Montague election June 22, and state law embargoes Gill's results until after Montague votes; the committee reorganization meeting was moved from May 18 to June 23 to comply with a 72-hour post-election requirement. The committee also unanimously approved three accounts payable warrants totaling $310,320.20, updated Unit C job descriptions for two district positions following union approval, and a revised Turners Falls High School program of studies that restores regular-level physics and adds four career-pathway courses tied to health care and advanced manufacturing innovation pathways, with students in some courses set to earn MACWIC, CPR, and OSHA certifications.