Gill-Montague Schools Approve Handbook Changes, Set Full Return for April

GILL -- March 23, 2021, Gill-Montague Regional School District approves handbook updates and votes for full in-person return starting April 5. The School Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to approve student handbook revisions coordinated by Pupil Services Director Diane Ellis and district attorneys, and to approve a memorandum of agreement with the Gill-Montague Education Association covering a long-term substitute position. Superintendent Brian Rodericks outlined a phased reopening under which kindergarten through sixth grade returns to five-day-a-week in-person instruction April 5, with full in-person learning for grades seven through 12 targeted for April 26. Business and Operations Director Joanne Bleier reported a grant portfolio of nearly $2 million this year, roughly double the district's typical grant income, with some funds carrying a June 30 spending deadline. The district is also exploring use of cannabis impact fee money from the Town of Montague to hire a part-time drug and alcohol counselor and potentially adopt the Preventure substance-use prevention curriculum for ninth graders.