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Date: 4/18/2022
MONSON – The Monson School Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget during their April 14 meeting.
Superintendent Cheryl Clarke said they are anticipating about 33 additional preschool registrations for the 2022-23 school year. “We don’t want to turn anyone away,” she said. Although nothing is set in stone, Clarke said if they had this much interest, they would propose hiring a preschool teacher and an instructional aid because it’s largely self-funding.
“So, if we had a class [say] of 14 students, the revenue would be about $62,300. And if you hired a year one teacher and a year one para [professional] the cost would be about $66,000,” said Clarke. Although this is not a part of the budget, Clarke said if preschool registration exceeds current numbers, this could be flagged in if necessary.
The budget as presented is $10,768,773 and the town has appropriated $10.77 million.
The School Committee unanimously approved the proposed budget.
Family & Community Resource Center
Erin Fontaine, coordinator, expressed her excitement for the new Family and Community Resource Room, located in room 421 at Quarry Hill Community School.
She said, “We have computers and printers available for use, as well as a kids area while parents are using the computers. We have an information library for parents and guardians to utilize as well.”
Fontaine said they recently had their grand opening, although it was not well attended. “We still have great hope for the room and lots of different things on the horizon,” she added.
On April 27, they will have an ocean themed event, which will consist of a story time and craft for kids 5 years of age and younger Registration is required for this event. Information on the event and registration links can be found at https://www.monsonschools.com/resource-center.
Fontaine said they are also working on having an open house in evening hours, to draw in more people to see what they offer and ask questions. They will also be sending out a parent survey this week. Fontaine encourages parents to fill out this survey, so that they can get an idea on how to better assist families.
The resource room is currently open Monday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Wednesday, 12 to 2 p.m.
“If anyone ever needs anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us outside of those hours,” said Fontaine.