At their meeting on Wednesday, the K-8 School Committee unanimously ratified a new 3-year contract for secretaries and support professionals after several months of negotiation. The details of the contract are similar to those approved by other school unions earlier this year. Read the full article → from K-8 school committee approves new union contract for secretaries
Government
The week in government (12/19 – 12/23)
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government (12/19 – 12/23)
Gobron: Reducing budget by 1% would result in loss of up to 11 teachers
At the request of town officials, Superintendent Charles Gobron this week outlined how a 1% budget cut would impact Southborough schools. In a presentation to the K-8 School Committee, Gobron said the reduction could mean the loss of as many as 11 teaching positions. Read the full article → from Gobron: Reducing budget by 1% would result in loss of up to 11 teachers
National Grid responds to question about clearing wires – UPDATED
Reader Jim said he called National Grid’s main number and used their phone system’s spell-by-name feature to reach Marcy Reed, president of National Grid in Massachusetts. “I left a polite message on her voice mail advising her of the unresponsiveness of National Grid as shown on this blog, and asked her to view the blog and get this dangerous situation resolved,” he wrote in a comment on Wednesday. Read the full article → from National Grid responds to question about clearing wires – UPDATED
MWDN: Southborough school board rips selectman after he questions spending
If you spend more money on schools do you necessarily ensure a higher-quality education for students? That’s the question posed by Selectman John Rooney at last night’s K-8 School Committee meeting. The question – and the data Rooney presented to back it up – was not well received by the School Committee. Read the full article → from MWDN: Southborough school board rips selectman after he questions spending
Short takes from the Board of Selectmen meeting: December 6, 2011
Generally when I attend a Board of Selectmen meeting, I report back to you on the big stuff they talk about – things like the Swap Shop and the search for a new fire chief. But there are a lot of smaller decisions and discussions that happen at the meetings too. Read the full article → from Short takes from the Board of Selectmen meeting: December 6, 2011
The week in government (12/12 – 12/16)
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government (12/12 – 12/16)
Selectmen approve new cemetery policies, increase notification times and fees
A change in the union contract for DPW workers means more notice will be required to hold a Monday burial at Southborough’s Rural Cemetery. It’s a move one local funeral director said was insensitive to grieving families. Read the full article → from Selectmen approve new cemetery policies, increase notification times and fees
The week in government (12/5 – 12/9)
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government (12/5 – 12/9)
Neary students sign petition to save the Swap Shop
The proposed closure of the Swap Shop has been a rallying point for many in town, including some of our youngest residents. Yesterday a group of Neary fifth-graders submitted a petition with more than 300 signatures in support of keeping the Swap Shop open. Read the full article → from Neary students sign petition to save the Swap Shop
Breaking news: Swap Shop closure has been delayed until January 7
The Swap Shop has received a stay of execution. Selectman Bill Boland announced moments ago that he has ordered the shop to remain open until January 7, 2012. The Board of Selectmen will host a discussion about the Swap Shop at their regular meeting on January 3, 2012. Read the full article → from Breaking news: Swap Shop closure has been delayed until January 7
Few residents show up to National Grid hearing
Southborough residents had plenty of ire for National Grid during the last two power outages, but that didn’t translate into attendance at a public hearing on the utility last night at Trottier. Only a handful of residents turned out to hear National Grid talk about their storm response. Read the full article → from Few residents show up to National Grid hearing
Swap Shop scheduled to close on Thursday. Will it?
Unless the Board of Selectmen steps in to intervene, Southborough’s beloved Swap Shop is scheduled to close for good on Thursday. As of Tuesday night, Chairman Bill Boland said he had not decided whether to instruct the DPW to keep the shop open. Read the full article → from Swap Shop scheduled to close on Thursday. Will it?
Selectmen approve truck exclusion on Gilmore Road
A dozen or so Gilmore Road residents went to last week’s Board of Selectmen meeting ready to argue their case. They brought photos and maps. They had data. They didn’t need any of it. Read the full article → from Selectmen approve truck exclusion on Gilmore Road