What one community did:

FITCHBURG - Blindsided by the Gardner mayor’s decision last week to withhold funding for Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, the school is checking into the legality of the move, the superintendent said.

Gardner Mayor Mark P. Hawke, who has been seeking an update since last winter of the school’s governing agreement with participating cities and towns, wrote to the Monty Tech School Committee chairman Jan. 3 that the budget planning timeline wasn’t being followed and “the city of Gardner will be escrowing any further payments until the school district comes into compliance with the district agreement.”

The 22-member school board voted not to discuss Mr. Hawke’s initial request for review of the regional agreement last February, and sent his subsequent request, made in October, to a policy subcommittee.

The October request from Mr. Hawke, in a letter that was also signed by Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale, said the school’s regional agreement is out of compliance with state law and needs updating. The last amendment to the document was 18 years ago, the letter said, and it is need of a “comprehensive review.”

The regional agreement, more than 50 years old, outlines obligations between the school district and the 18 cities and towns it serves. Monty Tech is the second largest regional vocational school in Massachusetts.

Mr. Hawke’s Jan. 3 letter to school board Chairman Brian J. Walker said Gardner and other member communities had not received a tentative operating and maintenance budget request from the school committee for the next fiscal year by Nov. 15 as required in the the regional agreement, which also calls for a budget to be adopted by Dec. 1. The school district was in violation of its contract with member communities, the letter said.

Superintendent Sheila M. Harrity said this week she was surprised by the Gardner mayor’s take on the budget process.

“It was on the docket for January,” Ms. Harrity said. “It was a bit of a surprise to hear that Mayor Hawke was withholding funds for the budget approved last year to run the school for this year because he’s looking for next year’s budget numbers. Withholding funds is brand new. I found out about it Thursday (Jan. 4).”

The school contends that state law supersedes language in the regional agreement, Ms. Harrity said, and Monty Tech is doing what it has done for 25 years and what all other school districts in the state do: provide budget requests to cities and towns in January after the governor releases his budget figures.

The School Committee has also received similar letters requesting a review of the regional agreement in the last few weeks from the Winchendon and Narragansett Regional school districts, Ms. Harrity said. So far, only Gardner is withholding payments to the school, she said, but Winchendon School Committee member Gregory S. Vine is requesting Winchendon selectmen follow suit.

“The subject of the (Winchendon) letter was not included on the agenda of the Monty Tech (full) school committee in either December or January,” Mr. Vine said. “Given the fact that these three communities (Fitchburg, Gardner and Winchendon) send the largest number of students to Monty Tech, I felt it was a slap in the face to our cities and towns that the topic was apparently being ignored.”

Mr. Vine said he would like to see the agreement reviewed for several reasons, including when the budget is provided to member towns and also to change the way students are selected from contributing school districts.

“At present, vocational schools are allowed to choose students based on five criteria, among them academic standing, discipline records and absenteeism,” he said. “This basically allows them to choose only the highest-performing students among applicants.”

He said he believes the process “leaves students behind,” who would benefit from a vocational program and state law prohibits member districts from offering vocational programs that mimic those at the vocational school they belong to.

However, Mr. Walker said the School Committee reviewed the admissions process a few years ago and allowed public input. No substantial changes were made, he said, and no one has come before the committee requesting another review of the admissions process since.

Mr. Walker said he disagrees that the School Committee ignored the issue of reviewing the regional agreement.

“The whole intent of the issue going before the policy subcommittee was for it to be a collaborative effort and for a level of transparency as we moved through the process,” Mr. Walker said. “It seemed like we were going in a good direction and we invited officials from the towns to our meeting next week (Jan. 16).

“Then, Mayor Hawke sends the letter out about withholding funds. It put a little something on the spirit of collaborating. It was almost out of nowhere. We’ve been keeping him informed with the process and it caught many of us off guard, for sure. It is frustrating and I hope we can work through this,” Mr. Walker continued.

Mr. Hawke said his decision to withhold payments has nothing to do with Monty Tech staff, students or the superintendent.

“The School Committee has refused to act in a judicious manner with regard to updating the outdated agreement,” Mr. Hawke said. “I have no idea what a thorough update and review of the regional agreement would produce. I do know it is a document that was written in a different day and age. It is so old that no one, including Monty Tech, actually has the first amendment.”

He said, “The issue is with the School Committee as a whole and their refusal to listen to the four largest sending communities’ wishes to update the regional agreement ... Currently, Monty Tech does not notify any of the communities of anything, which I find unfortunate and not within the guidance of the regional agreement. The cities and towns should have advanced notice of the budget and what it contains and provided the opportunity to have input.”

Our schools need fixing

More than a year ago Superintendent Casavant asked the school committee to OK an advisory committee he wished to form to study how are district ran. We OK’d it but I personally wondered why it was needed?

He put it together with people from both towns and began holding meetings – every two weeks! That in itself was very unusual because all subcommittees generally meet monthly. After a number of meetings, Phillipston’s Administrative Assistant and one of our Selectmen who were on the committee quit going. I went to see what was going on. It seemed to be an infomercial to sell the Superintendent’s plan for reorganizing the district. He basically wanted to turn Phillipston grade school into a babysitting service for children ages 3-5 and send all our first through fifth grade students to the new Templeton Elementary school. I got hold of 3 or 4 copies of the minutes of these meetings. What do you know, there was no list of who was at meeting and no one signed the minutes! A spook committee!

After we complained about these irregularities, a meeting of people from both towns was held in the auditorium. The meeting was advertised on “Facebook” — how tacky. People from both towns showed up to complain about his plan. Nobody was buying it.

At the next School Committee meeting, we voted to stick with the original plan, which called for the fifth grade coming back to PMES when the new elementary school opened in Templeton. That’s where things stood when Phillipston voted at town meeting this May to approve the school budget and the override. At that meeting, Casavant told us, “I have no intention of closing this school.” A few days later he told people at Templeton town meeting that he would recommend closing Phillipston to balance the budget.

Then later he convinced the school committee to go along with his original plan to put pre-school and kindergarten in Phillipston and grades one through five in Templeton.

Phillipston is up in arms! I can’t imagine the teachers are very thrilled, either. We don’t like to be lied to or double-crossed. We will not stand for our grade school (used as such since 1948) – and added onto twice, at the urging of the school committee) to be turned into a glorified babysitting service.

There is a serious movement on to recall our three school committee people and we are serious, in our belief, that the Superintendent – the most divisive superintendent we’ve ever had – should be removed.

Daniel Sanden

Phillipston

No to adjusted school budget, no to cuts to town budget, no to access to new elementary school until people come to senses.

NO to school budget until school committee cuts one elementary school principal and eliminates the new assistant elementary school vice principal, which I believe would save an additional $250,000.00 (conservatively) No to asking for another override.

If the commissioner of education wishes to slap the face of Templeton voters by approving a 1/12 budget using the FY2020 numbers rather than FY2019, then right back at him. Templeton should refuse to pay anything until a new regional agreement is completed which begins by giving Templeton one additional member of school committee (Phillipston loses one) and elections are separated; Templeton votes for it's school committee members and Phillipston votes for theirs. That is my view on a starting point. Put Templeton's proposed contribution in escrow until the matter is settled, do not pay one dime until things are straightened out, on paper!

I am prepared to rumble, I wonder if Templeton voters are too? This has to be a long term commitment otherwise nothing will change. If voters are not willing to go the distance, then just throw in the towel now. Please show up for selectmen meeting and voice your opinion. Show up for the special Town Meeting on July 18 at 7:00 P.M. and vote.

Using some information from the MSBA website:

Templeton Elementary School

Total project budget . . . . . . . . . . . .$45,058,033.00

Reimbursement rate . . . . .63.11%

MSBA paid to date . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,368,720.00

MSBA estimated remaining
payment (s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $  5,392,059.00



$17,368,720.00 + $5,392,059.00 = $22,760,779.00

$45,058,033.00 / 2 = $22,529,016.50

50% of total project budget MSBA reimbursement (approximate)

So much for the advertised 63.11% - which can probably be attributed to 63.11% is only applicable to eligible costs rather than the total project cost. So, if MSBA wants to take money back, you have a dollar figure to use as a starting point. Keep in mind, 47 million was the figure town meeting authorized to borrow.

Just so it is clear: there are over 5,000 registered voters in Templeton, of those, records show 1160 voters took time to vote on override and of those, 320 voted for the override and 827 voters said no to the override. So about one fifth of voters thought it important enough to show up to vote. Translation - 1/5th told the other 4/5ths what to do and apparently that is okay. If you wish something to happen, show up and if you do not wish it to happen, show up!

Costs as shown in FY2020 Spending plan:

Page 58A increase in Town Accountant / personnel

After Hubbardston agreement -          $127,470.00
Before Hubbardston agreement -        $  90,000.00

On face value, it appears increase of   $ 37,470.00

Increase
Town Accountant salary -                     $  7,500.00

Increase
 switch from part time to full-time -      $49,780.00

Now benefits - approximately -             $25,000.00

Net Increase -                                         $61,934.00

part-time was $20,346.00 / no benefits

So, first year of accounting agreement with Hubbardston equates to a payment from Hubbardston to Templeton for $37,000.00 and Templeton taxpayers are on hook for additional $61,934.00 to cover this agreement. In the end, it seems this agreement benefits Hubbardston far more than Templeton, again!

Increase to Templeton . . . . . . . . . $61,934.00
Decrease to Templeton . . . . . . . .  $37,000.00
Net increase to Templeton . . . . . . $24,934.00

Looking at the straight math, how does this benefit Templeton now and in the long run?

Was this part of a five year plan that was done in three years? Perhaps should have taken more time looking at plan?

INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENT

FOR THE PROVISION OF

ACCOUNTING SERVICES

THIS AGREEMENT is entered into by the Town of Templeton, MA, a corporate body
politic, acting by and through its Board of Selectmen (the "Provider") and the Town of
Hubbardston, MA, a corporate body politic, acting by and through its Board of Selectmen (the
"End User"), which execute this agreement as follows:
WHEREAS, the End User is in need of professional, administrative, supervisory and
technical accounting services ensuring the proper recording and maintenance of financial records,
approving all financial payments, controlling expenditures of all town funds and auditing financial
records and transactions; and
WHEREAS, the Provider has the proven capability and experience to be able to provide
such services; and
WHEREAS, the Provider and the End User are authorized to undertake this Agreement
pursuant M.G.L. C. 40, §§4A and 4D.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Provider and End User, in consideration of the covenants and
mutual premises contained herein, hereby agree as follows:

1. TERM
This Agreement shall take effect on July 1, 2019 and continue in effect for a period of three years
unless extended or otherwise terminated as provided for herein.

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The Provider shall, on behalf of the End User, be present at the Hubbardston Town Offices an
average of ten (10) hours per week. The End User shall be otherwise available by email or
phone during all business hours to address problems or concerns of town staff. Normal and
ordinary inquires will be responded to within four business hours. More extensive research
will be completed within one week unless the requestor is advised that more time is needed. In
addition, the Provider shall attend the Annual and Special Town meetings as requested by the
Town Administrator. The Provider shall provide an onsite presence during the annual
municipal audit to accommodate the Town’s auditing firm.
Develops and oversees the implementation of the Town’s accounting system and procedures.

Examines, approves or disallows all town departments’ payroll and vendor payable
expenditures; oversees maintenance of all revolving funds and grants received, ensuring that
expenditures adhere to fund criteria.
Maintains a General Ledger and journal for the recording of all transactions; balances and
closes the Town’s books; maintains custody of all Town contracts; prepares and records
encumbrances into the next fiscal year; conducts internal audits of Treasurer’s cash and bank
accounts, and Collector’s detailed list of outstanding receivables.
Reconciles cash accounts with Treasurer; records monthly receivable commitments,
abatement's, and exemptions; maintains and reconciles receivables accounts with Treasurer,
Collector and Assessor.
Provides timely and accurate financial information and ensures the integrity of the financial
data by instituting proper internal controls; verifies that no claim or payable against the Town
is fraudulent, unlawful or excessive as prescribed by Massachusetts General Laws.
Prepares monthly reports to track all financial activity within the town’s funds. Oversees the
preparation of the monthly journal entries including receivable entries and reconciles these
receivables.
Processes warrants for payroll and accounts payable.
Develops and prepares year-end financial reports which include the balance sheet and revenue
and expense statements for the Department of Revenue for free cash certification. Also
prepares and submits annually the Schedule A report to the Department of Revenue detailing
all town financial activity for the fiscal year.
Assists the Town Administrator in the development of the budget by providing a working
template and providing limited proofreading for the accuracy of math and inclusion of major
cost items.
Oversees proper maintenance of inventory and fixed assets lists for compliance with GASB
regulations by amending a working list, from information supplied to them by others, to add
new capitalized items, delete capital items in surplus or otherwise disposed of and adjusting
the depreciation schedules thereof.
Works in conjunction with the Town contract Auditor, providing relevant documents and
information for the annual audit.
Creates and maintains new accounts and account lines for all Town departments for proper
financial reporting.
Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

Attends an average of 85% or greater of staff meetings, to the extent they are held on days on
which the Provider is otherwise scheduled to be in the Community, and additional Board of
Selectmen meetings as reasonably required by the Town Administrator.

3. LIABILITY FOR COSTS
The Provider shall have complete and sole liability for the hiring, discipline, and management of
all personnel and supportive services, provided however that the point scoring used to consider
applications for employment shall have a bonus feature for community residents of any End User,
and the payment of all costs associated with the provision of services provided under this
agreement. Nothing contained herein shall create any employer-employee relationship between
the End User and the Provider. The End User shall have liability only for the timely payment of
all assessments rendered to it in accordance with this agreement.

4. RECORDS AND REPORTS
a. Ongoing Record Maintenance: The Provider shall ensure the creation and maintenance of
complete records as identified in the services rendered section of this agreement and in accordance
with all applicable local, state and federal laws.
b. Monthly Activity Reports: The Provider shall respond in a timely manner to the End User’s
reasonable request for a monthly summary of activities performed by the department.
c. Town Financial Reports: The Provider shall respond in a timely manner to the End User’s
reasonable request for monthly and quarterly financial reports as required by the End User’s Board
of Selectmen and Finance Committee.

5. APPORTIONMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF COSTS
The End User shall pay to the Provider per fiscal year as follows:

FY20 - $37,000

FY21 - $42,000

FY22 - $43,000

This is contingent on the End User’s receipt in FY20 of $30,000 in funds to offset the cost of
software conversions necessary to service both Town departments. It is further contingent upon
appropriation by Hubbardston and Templeton Town Meetings at their annual town meetings of
the necessary appropriations to fund the provision of and purchase of the services specified herein.

6. EXTENSION OR TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT
The Parties may terminate this Agreement at any time upon no less than six months of notice
preceding the commencement of a fiscal year (i.e., by December 30, 2020 to provide notice to
terminate the provision of services effective July 1, 2021) provided however that the End User
may request the Provider to provide services on an hourly per-diem basis for two additional months
to prepare year end closing reports and documentation for the annual audit.
Notwithstanding notice of termination, the parties shall remain bound to and liable for all
responsibilities set forth herein until the effective date of such termination (i.e., July 1st) provided,
however, that the Provider shall provide to the End User all reports as set forth above.

7. AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement may be amended at any time by the parties, in writing, in the same manner as it
was entered into.

8. NOTICES
Any notice required to herein shall be given in hand or by first class mail:

Board of Selectmen
160 Patriots Road – Box 620
Templeton, MA 01438
OR
Board of Selectmen
7 Main Street
Hubbardston, MA 01452

Or at such other address to be established by the parties and to be considered delivered upon the
third day after mailing.

9. SEVERABILITY
If any term or condition of this Agreement or any application thereof shall to any extent be held
invalid, illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity, legality, and
enforce-ability of the remaining terms and conditions of this Agreement shall not be deemed
affected thereby unless one or more parties would be substantially or materially prejudiced.

10. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the parties hereto submit to the jurisdiction of any of its
appropriate courts for the adjudication of disputes arising out of this Agreement.

11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement constitutes the entire integrated agreement between the parties with respect to the
matters described and supersedes all prior agreements, negotiations and representations, either
written or oral.