CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The School Committee last week opened up several slots for school choice but held off on a decision about kindergarten. 

 

Based on the recommendation of Principal Sandra Cote, the committee approved two slots for first grade, one for fourth grade and eight slots for sixth grade. 

 

"Kindergarten is low, but we really feel more comfortable waiting to August for that, just because we don't know for sure," she said. "We're projecting 13 but we don't know for sure."

 

Cote explained that the high number of sixth grade is because the class is going to be split. The grade at 28  students will mean 14 in each class. The committee will meet later in the summer to approve applications. 

 

Also during the brief meeting, the committee approved the administration's request to negotiate a five-year rather than a three-year bus transportation contract. 

 

"A five-year because it locks everything in. ... We went out to bid, instead of doing a one-year extension in the other towns, we went out to five years so that we're all on the same cycle," said Business Administrator Lisa Blackmer.

 

There is not an agreement ready for approval yet, she said, adding that she and Superintendent John Franzoni were "going to try and do some tweaking on the summer programs" first. 

 

Cote updated the committee on some the activities including field day and a class picnic. 

 

"It looks like their really enjoying the end-of-year activities, and the teachers look very tired," she joked.