She screws up again.

It amazes me how she screws up and manages to come up with an excuse every time. However, you did notice that her raise and those raises in her office and principal and VP were not undercut.
She is not just trying to balance the books but balance her mistakes now that PVRS hired a business manager, which was also long overdue. $282,514.00 is a big request and also why would you depend on reimbursements you were not sure of to fix an underlying issue? One thing is for sure her constant mistakes sure do add up. Seems the ones who suffer the most are teachers and students.

The Pioneer Valley Regional School District
is in a tight fiscal spot once again, this time with its substitute teacher budget.
Superintendent Ruth Miller recently presented the School Committee with expenditure reports showing that while the elementary schools’ substitute teacher budgets were well-funded, half-way in the year Pioneer’s substitute budget has only $1,494 unencumbered, or 4.27 percent.
“What’s scary is how much has already been used,” she told the committee last week.
Earlier this year, Miller reported the district needs another $282,514 to balance the books for the current school year, a deficit which primarily resulted from the district receiving $303,601 less in regional busing reimbursement than she anticipated. Though the School Committee has floated ideas of possible cuts, it has taken no formal action.
School Committee members wondered how Pioneer’s fund could be so near depletion by mid-school year. Because there are more staff at Pioneer than at the elementary schools, Miller explained, there are more opportunities for needing substitutes. But the substitute budget was cut for this year in step with teacher cuts. Substitute budgets at Pioneer, Bernardston Elementary and Northfield Elementary were each cut by $5,000.

“It looks to me that relative to the elementary schools, we under-budgeted for Pioneer,” said committee member David Young, noting that Pioneer represents approximately half of the district’s student population. “I don’t think we’re overspending as much as we under-budgeted.”
How it comparesPioneer’s $35,000 substitute budget represents 41.62 percent of the district’s total amount budgeted for substitutes, $84,100.
Bernardston Elementary School’s $15,000 substitute budget has $7,555 unencumbered, or 50.37 percent; Pearl Rhodes Elementary School’s $6,600 substitute budget has $4,835 unencumbered, or 73.25 percent; Northfield Elementary School’s $20,000 substitute budget has $10,532 unencumbered, or 52.66 percent; and Warwick Community School’s $7,500 substitute budget has $5,907 unencumbered, or 78.77 percent.
Miller seemed unsure how to reconcile the pending shortage.
“Our reluctance in budgeting is, do we really want to put another $35,000 in (the Pioneer substitute budget) and then what are we going to take away from the students to be able to meet that $70,000?” she asked committee members.
However, when asked Wednesday, Miller said “if the trend continues the way it is right now, there’ll be money left in the elementary schools’ substitute budgets” to hopefully offset Pioneer’s spending. In the past, if the substitute budgets go over, Miller said superintendents adjust the rest of the budget accordingly.
“It’s not an exact science,” she said. “It’s just not predictable. You can’t predict when people are going to get sick or when they’re going to have a baby or when they’re going to be injured.”

This has gone on long enough

OMG..I can't believe you people. Since Miller came to this school WE WARNED YOU TO WATCH THE BUDGET! We also warned you over and over about Miller. Templeton warned you and you ignored all warnings! You were also warned about anyone speaking out against her and now we have lost so many valuable teachers and administrators. You were also warned she was a master manipulator. Just out of curiosity are you listening yet?

The first year she was here she moved the offices to the main street and blows 64,000.00 plus dollars which could have been spent more wisely and upgraded the previous offices and have a more suitable building. Instead, she had to be shamed into moving back to the school and then tried to play martyr by saying she moved into a closet area which was, in fact, the Dean of Students office for years! Cathy HH.

The pay increases and amounts for a VP Perry, Principal Bacon and Asst, to the superintendent Healy are ridiculous and should have never been approved when this school had to remove more teachers to pay them and still left the budget a complete mess and the school in chaos.

Miller states

Superintendent Ruth Miller, who also acts as business manager for the district, opposed a new hire.

“If you get another business manager now, that money, that $40,000 or $50,000 could be going to paying off the shortfall,” Miller said, adding that “the least that we can do as a committee for the rest of this year is to try to get the shortfall down as much as possible."

This is not true and Peggy you are wrong . You need to get this Business MGR in here now! Miller does not want him here because she is well aware of her mistakes and they will be brought into the open. You need to do this now !!!



 Miller states

“I think the auditors and the (district leaders workshop) panel think to split my position makes sense considering I’m leaving,” Miller said. “They weren’t saying when to do it, they were saying down the road to do it.”

This is Miller manipulating the situation.The auditors saw something and we were not told which is also why the SC members are also slow to decide because they know they screwed up and this is gonna bring it into the light same as it did for Templeton. Sooner or later they will have to face what they have done and us.



 Robin L’Etoile



In support of maintaining Miller’s salary, committee member Robin L’Etoile said “we have been basically getting a discount for the last two years,” by only paying Miller, rather than a superintendent at a comparable price and additional business manager.



Wake up Robin L’Etoile you have NOT gotten a discount you have generated a massive debt. Miller should have NEVER been a business mgr and this is also proof how you sadly lacked in your duties when hiring her or you would of know this was a bad decision.



Listen get the business mgr now PVRS cannot go on this way any longer. The destruction has been done its now time to face what has happened and head in a positive direction to fix it. This can no longer wait and I suggest the town SB stay on top of the next hire and involve themselves in resolving the reconstruction of PVRS. Its been clearly seen that the SC cannot handle this job alone.


I have been to the school a couple of times this year, and the lack of support they have for one another was just sad. The students don't seem to support the others and teacher and administrators do not show up to events as they did in the past. The spirit that once ran thru this school seems to of died. The paw prints have even faded. The laughter has died along with its heart and spirit. For many of us past and present to see this is heartbreaking.



Do your jobs for once SC and hire the business mgr. As parents and taxpayers, we demand something to change and not continue down the path its on. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 NORTHFIELD — Hoping to get a better handle on the Pioneer Valley Regional School District’s finances, the School Committee voted to pursue hiring a part-time business manager for the rest of the fiscal year.
The 7-to-4 vote at Northfield Elementary School last week followed debate as to whether the district could stay afloat for the rest of the year without sinking more money into a new position, particularly considering the need to cut $282,514 to balance this year’s budget that was announced in September but hasn’t been reconciled by the School Committee.
“We’ve never resolved the $282,000 shortfall between actual revenue and our budget,” said School Committee member Peggy Kaeppel, who voted against hiring a part-time business manager. “Now we’re going to make that a bigger deficit.”
Though the budget subcommittee planned to make recommendations on additional cuts to the full School Committee, members and administrators emphasized a need to have input from each principal on where cuts could be made in his or her school. Getting that information, however, hasn’t happened.
Superintendent Ruth Miller, who also acts as business manager for the district, opposed a new hire.

“If you get another business manager now, that money, that $40,000 or $50,000 could be going to paying off the shortfall,” Miller said, adding that “the least that we can do as a committee for the rest of this year is to try to get the shortfall down as much as possible.”
When Melanson Heath auditors Tanya Campbell and Patrice Squillante shared their audit findings regarding last fiscal year’s budget, the two recommended hiring a temporary business manager, which School Committee member Sharon Fontaine noted during Thursday’s meeting. Additionally, the four district selectboards presented a letter in support of getting a business manager.
However, Miller and School Committee members disagreed as to when hiring should happen.
“I think the auditors and the (district leaders workshop) panel think splitting my position makes sense considering I’m leaving,” Miller said. “They weren’t saying when to do it, they were saying down the road to do it.”
Miller announced in June she won’t be looking to negotiate a new contract once her current three-year contract is up. If nothing changes, Miller’s last day as superintendent will be June 30, 2018.
The majority of committee members emphasized the need to get a business manager as soon as possible.
“I think we have to find this money, as painful as it’s going to be,” said School Committee member David Young. “I think that a business manager with fresh eyes can more than pay for themselves in the first year.”
School Committee member Sue O’Reilly-McRae wondered if Miller would be willing to reduce her $141,714 salary, given that she’s paid to be both the superintendent and business manager. Fontaine suspected if a part-time business manager is hired, Miller’s hours might be reduced given fewer responsibilities.
Miller said she’s not willing to reduce her salary as she is under contract, bases her life around the set salary and is “not in the financial position” to cut her pay.
“This district also has a budget,” Fontaine replied. “We’re faced with the same things you are … I would support you taking a good look at what you could do if you would take a reduction in salary.”
In support of maintaining Miller’s salary, committee member Robin L’Etoile said “we have been basically getting a discount for the last two years,” by only paying Miller, rather than a superintendent at a comparable price and additional business manager.
Though no decision was made regarding on hiring, the committee floated ideas on possible candidates, including Daniel Haynes, who serves as administrator of finance for the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District and once audited Pioneer’s budget, making him familiar with the district.

 

PVRS Chorus

What an amazing night! It brought back a lot of memories. The kids were amazing and sung their hearts out. Great job done by all and hearing from some of  our last years chorus crew was pretty amazing as well. Great job Emma, Maddy, Domenic and Hanna who went up to also help out. I have to say hearing Glory again from the community chorus was outstanding!
Please call in with your donations these kids will do PVRS proud.
Mandy and Kimberly as always outstanding. You put your hearts and souls into these kids and the music and PVRS is so lucky to have you.

The number to call for donations is still live:
 413-498-2931, ext. 220.

Great job everyone.

NORTHFIELD — When the words of Emeli Sandé’s “Read All About It” appeared on the wall before her, Pioneer Valley Regional School eighth-grader Sydney May broke into song. Her voice carried throughout the Pioneer auditorium to the listening ears of students, parents and community members.
May was one of the many singers who performed during Pioneer’s telethon Friday night, which was organized to raise money for the chorus program’s April 2018 trip to Washington, D.C. The more than 40 chorus students were invited to perform in a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s death by Historic Programs, a nonprofit organization that commemorates the past.
Through the telethon, broadcast on Bernardston-Northfield Community Television (BNCTV) and through Facebook Live, community members could call in to make monetary pledges or pay to watch in the auditorium. Concession and raffle ticket sales also raised money.
“In the raffle alone, we’ve gotten about $1,300,” Kimberly Rose said at about 7:30 p.m. Rose’s wife Mandy Oliver, director of the chorus, was the telethon’s primary organizer.
Aside from raising money to offset $650-per-person trip costs, Rose said the telethon gave the performers “a safe environment to practice their skills,” without the pressure of a lot of eyes, given most observers were home behind their television, computer or phone screens.

Senior Dana McRae interviewed the performers about their songs and involvement at Pioneer, while routinely reading off fundraising updates. Meanwhile, in the kiva, three Pioneer parents monitored pledges by phone and shared the Facebook Live video wherever they could.
“We do whatever we can to support the program,” said Paula Johnson, of Northfield, whose daughter Molly is in chorus. “It was quite an honor they were asked (to Washington, D.C.)
“And it’s the 50th,” added Erika Nygard, of Warwick, whose daughter Liesel is in chorus. “That’s exciting … For rural Massachusetts kids, I just think that’s going to be amazing.”
As of 8:40 p.m., pledges accounted for $1,735. Even after the telethon’s end, those interested in donating are encouraged to call 413-498-2931, ext. 220.

Patricia Martin,Correira,David Giannotti,and Gilfether let us teach you .

I couldn't help but laugh when I read this article. Number one, Miller has no respect for anyone. She is also no leader. She wasn't at PVRS nor at Templeton. Her same actions follow her wherever she goes.Your speaking to the wind.
As for the School committee , they are clueless, lack ethics, and are basically lazy.

Patricia Martin of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents--Where were you when Miller would threaten school Administration officials on the phone, and we lost not one or two vital members of our school but 5 the first year alone?She bullied and harassed them till they quit! Or last year when all the teachers who were let go that talked out against Miller?Where were you than? These were people who made PVRS what it was and we were once one of the top schools in Mass. Or where were you when they chose Miller? The School committee was warned not to hire her but did not want to open another search and chose her anyway. Or where were you when Miller was LYING to the media and retractions were made to show them lies? Many good people were hurt by this woman  and since when is being a bully acceptable by anyone? But, my biggest question is why didn't you stop her after Templeton?Where was your support for them? Our kids were devastated losing two in particular Mike Duprey, and Cathy Hawkins -Harrison.
Here have a look
https://pvrsconcernsandissues.blogspot.com/2016/06/from-ms-oliver-and-her-kids-to-mike.html
The kids say good bye
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1806522979571458/permalink/1810033939220362/
Does this look like a happy bunch to you ?
Or how 2017 Graduates had him back for their graduation .This was a man from the day you walked into  7th grade  in the school you knew he cared and supported these kids. They learn about integrity, ethics, working hard made it possible to follow your dreams, he encouraged them to go further. Did you also know by the end of the year he would know all these kids by name? He made a point of knowing them. They also knew they could go to him anytime. So again Ms Martin where were you when you were needed the most before the destruction of our school and teachers? FYI- Miller couldn't tell the truth if it meant her life.

Correira lets talk School Committee.. They lack ethics, morals, and concern for the school and its teachers and students. Administrators came to them with concerns of bullying by the superintendent , and demands she made on them that were against their moral principals, low morale of teachers and students and they did NOTHING!
Here let us show you this was Thursday, May 26, 2016
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8101346243926548968#editor/target=post;postID=2882547187145615667;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=235;src=postname

Or how about Dale Dorion our past superintendent who loved the school and these kids, who supported them, who came to games and concerts.. who was pushed out by this SC because she wouldn't do what they wanted her to because it was wrong . Where were you than?
This SC is a disgrace to our schools, teachers and taxpayers.


David Giannotti of the State Ethics Commission- I wanted you last because ethic is something neither this superintendent or SC understand.Miller states one ethic complaint .. if you believe that I will sell you the Brooklyn Bridge Cheap! EVERY teacher or administrator who spoke out against Miller was LET GO.EVERY ONE! I can also guarantee that every one of them have broken these laws , in the parking lot after meetings and in vehicles on their way home, not to mention phone calls. Shearer  and Young think they are above the law. Take it or leave it but be guaranteed it happens.

 Respectfully Ms. Gilfether fear and anxiety since day one of Miller stepping into our schools is something our kids, teachers and admins, have lived with.She does not lead she bullies.  We use to be a high spirited school,singing and laughter in the halls but parents now are searching out other schools for there child's education, school choice has pulled students, and basically stopped sending children to PVRS. Teachers and students are jumping ship without life jackets.. would you want your child here?

The damage done here is major and I hope and so do others that Miller is not allowed to continue as a Superintendent in another school anywhere. We begged this school committee from day one to hear us and our teachers and it all fell on deaf ears, even the previous school Miller was at warned us and wrote on this blog and still they ignored us. We do not hold out high hopes from you .It will take a miracle to turn this school around. FYI- your miracle is in Winchester NH and Cathy HH to start. I suggest you do a whole lot of pleading to get them back while we still have a school .School choice will also return.


Were watching .

NORTHFIELD — Pioneer Valley Regional District officials gained insight on how to effectively do their jobs and work together during a district leaders’ workshop Thursday.
Speakers from various state agencies cleared up confusion on the roles of Superintendent Ruth Miller versus the roles of the School Committee, and offered tips for better, law-abiding operation of the school district.
Mutual respect Though a simple idea, the concept that School Committee members and a superintendent should treat each other with respect was a prevalent theme.
Patricia Martin of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents advised that officials in districts without the financial security to bring in professional mediators might take recesses from meetings, monitor their speaking time and exercise self-assessments, asking themselves “Where have I not given respect?” Likewise, Patricia Correira of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees emphasized not scowling or rolling one’s eyes at another board member’s comments.
Speakers agreed that when tensions run high within a School Committee or administration, there’s often a trickle-down effect to communities, principals, faculty and students.

“Those adult actions are having a profound reaction on the children,” Martin said.
“It eats away at a community in a broader sense,” agreed retired administrator Shirley Gilfether, who organized the district leaders workshop.
Martin read a quote from Michael Fullan, author of “Change Leader: Learning to Do What Matters Most,” which states “The single factor common to successful change is that relationships must improve. If relationships improve, schools get better. If relationships get worse, improvement is lost.” For that reason, Martin emphasized the importance of having a superintendent give open, honest and timely communication to the School Committee about school operations to foster a trusting relationship.
Superintendent, School Committee roles A superintendent, Martin explained, acts as an advisor to the School Committee and leader of the administrative team. Responsibilities include: advocating for a strong budget to local and state officials; providing professional development; providing scheduled budget updates to the School Committee; approving faculty hires selected by a principal; and otherwise overseeing day-to-day school district management.
By contrast, Correira said the School Committee hires and fires the superintendent; approves hiring an assistant superintendent, special education coordinator, school business officer, legal counsel, physicians and nurses; sets goals for the district in the children’s best interest; decides the overall curriculum; and approves the budget, though the superintendent is authorized to make transfers during the year.
“The budget is yours. You own it, you vote on it,” Correira said to the School Committee. “But always remember you’re not the education expert that the superintendent is.”
After the budget, setting policy is the board’s biggest responsibility, Correira continued.
“If you don’t have an up-to-date policy manual, shame on you,” she said. “You need an up-to-date policy manual to allow the superintendent to run your district.”
The importance of working toward the same goals, while not overstepping bounds, was impressed upon the audience.
“It’s a balance, and overstepping that balance can sometimes cause consternation in a district,” Correira said.
Conflicts of interest and open meeting law In a question to David Giannotti of the State Ethics Commission, Miller expressed concern that only one conflict of interest disclosure form was filed with her office by a member of the School Committee, though other members may also have conflicts. Giannotti suggested Miller have the board members seek advice from the Ethics Commission.
“These people are sort of walking on thin ice,” he said. “They’d better hope we don’t find out about it.”
In a brief overview of the open meeting law, Gilfether said it’s easy to forget that excessive email conversations can also constitute breaking the law.
“If I reach a quorum number, I am breaking the open meeting law,” she said.
Conversation in the parking lot or restroom could also constitute violating the law. Martin recommended having as few “nondiscussables” — important topics that produce fear and anxiety to bring up — as possible to avoid outside talk.
Reach Shelby Ashline at: sashline@recorder.com
413-772-0261 ext. 257

Remember this date

Lets help the kids out and make a pledge :)

Time to speak up

Well, what does everyone think? I know the damage is done to PVRS and Miller should of never come here, but we have the opportunity  now to help chose the next one and maybe just maybe the SC will listen. After all after Miller do we really want to trust them ?

So we have these options.
Frontier Regional School District - Lynn M. Carey, Ed.D.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District - Tari Thomas
Gill-Montague Regional School District -Michael Sullivan, Ed.D.
Franklin County Technical School-Richard Martin
Mohawk Trail Regional School District -Michael A. Buoniconti,
Greenfield School Department-Jordana B. Harper

So whats everyone's take on this?   After reading thru some of these I would take the greenfield school dept off the list . I liked the best Frontier and Gill. But check for yourselves. We will be digging into these and will give you an update in a few days. 

BERNARDSTON — Representatives from the four North County selectboards agreed to recommend the Pioneer Valley Regional School District School Committee to pursue sharing a superintendent with another school district.
During a joint meeting Thursday, members of the four boards agreed to draft a letter outlining their support for sharing administration, an idea that will be presented to the School Committee during a future meeting.
Given tight finances for the district and an approximately $14.1 million budget that have led town assessments to increase year after year, Bernardston Selectman Robert Raymond hopes sharing administrators will save the district money.
“What are we gonna do?” Raymond wondered. “How much are our taxpayers going to pay?”
Based on recent discussions by the district’s Superintendent Search Committee, it seems like the two groups are on the same page. In their first meeting last month to discuss replacing Superintendent Ruth Miller, the search committee agreed to look into sharing administrators with another school district, with each member assigned a school district to contact.

The search committee was formed as a result of Miller’s June announcement that she won’t be looking to negotiate a new contract once her current three-year contract is up. If nothing changes, Miller’s last day as superintendent will be June 30.
Members of the four selectboards echoed their support for sharing a superintendent, as well as a business manager, on an interim business.
“I think there are other school districts that are suffering … and willing to share a superintendent or business manager,” Raymond said. “If we try it for one year and it doesn’t work out, and we don’t save money or we don’t have enough input on what the superintendent does, forget about it. We’ll go in a different direction.”
The boards proposed arranging a year-long agreement with a superintendent, re-evaluating partway through the year and, if the arrangement is satisfactory to the district’s public officials, seeking to extend the contract.
Given Miller’s announcement, board members said it seems like the opportune time to regionalize.
“This sort of thing is resisted in most districts because the incumbent superintendent wants a job,” said Warwick Town Coordinator David Young, who is also a School Committee member. “We have an opportunity here.”
Sharing a superintendent and business manager could be just the beginning, board members agreed. Young proposed sharing administrators with multiple districts, and aligning class schedules to support learning between districts.
“If this did work, you could see tech directors being shared, curriculum coordinators being shared,” Raymond said.
During October’s School Committee meeting, the committee finalized a letter to send to nearby districts to gauge their interest in sharing a superintendent or business manager, including Frontier Regional School District, the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District, the Gill-Montague Regional School District, Franklin County Technical School, the Mohawk Trail Regional School District and Greenfield School Department. According to Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Pam Lawrence, the letter was sent Wednesday.

Were dropping

Here is another clear example of how Bacon does not understand PVRS.  Let me be clear here. Many, many students from PVRS have gone on to four year colleges ! Also, Ms. Bacon before you and Miller came here we were one of the top schools in Mass.
( Under Dorion and our previous Administration and teachers)

Pioneer Valley Regional High School was ranked as 69th in Massachusetts, while the Mohawk Trail Regional High School was 74th in the state. Both schools ranked within the top 21 percent of all Massachusetts public schools that were evaluated for this report.
According to US News, about 32 percent of Pioneer Valley Regional School students take Advance Placement courses, and the graduation rate is 91 percent. Based on MCAS scores, 97 percent of students ranked proficient in English and 93 percent are proficident in math.
 “Hallelujah,” exclaimed Pioneer school board Chairwoman Pat Shearer, when told of the news. “That has happened to us maybe 10 years ago. I’ve saved the magazine. That is so great. We’ve got a wonderful group of teachers and administrators that are top-notch. That really helps make the kids what they are. It starts from kindergarten on, not just the high school,” Shearer added. “We’ve had graduates go on to military academies, Harvard and Yale, other so-called ‘superschools.’”
http://www.recorder.com/Mohawk-Pioneer-among-best-schools-in-US-News---World-Report-2650584

Since Miller and you came we have been dropped to a Bronze school
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/massachusetts/districts/pioneer-valley/pioneer-valley-regional-9488


Seems to me what we need is to replace you!
Also, if you had any common sense of PVRS you would know that students EARN that free time. They knew this from day one in 7th/ grade. They worked hard and knew that when 12th/ grade came they EARNED special time to go to DD and have them free periods. It wasn't GIVEN to them they EARNED it!

Its obvious that since you all came we have been in a steady decline. No choice school chooses PVRS, and kids and parents have looked elsewhere for their children's education and some parents have removed their kids from PVRS environment due to its so negative .

Miller ,Perry nor you Ms. Bacon are PVRS material. It shows in the schools standings and the environment of the school.  The loss of valuable administrators, and teachers. In other words OUR CORE VALUE IS LOST.

SC smarten up .

BERNARDSTON — Hoping students will graduate more ready to succeed in the “real world,” Pioneer Valley Regional School is looking to change its standards to align more with area schools.
Around the new year, Principal Jean Bacon plans to present her goals for the high school to the School Committee for approval.
What this could look like is still up in the air, but at Bernardston Elementary School Thursday night, Bacon presented what a focus-group had drafted, complete with two core proposals: align graduation requirements with MassCore and increase engagement of the student body, particularly juniors and seniors with free time.
“We have these kids for 6.5 hours a day and they’re spending somewhere between 1.5 and 3 hours of that time unstructured,” Bacon said, referring to study hall time. “I’m sure many of them look forward to that and love that, but is that what we want as a community for them?”
When Bacon first came to Pioneer, she said she was “shocked” at the time students spent lounging around and headed to Dunkin’ Donuts, when they could be taking electives.

“They don’t need three hours of socialization during the school day, in my opinion. It’s doing them a disservice,” Bacon said. “Is it preparing them for life?”
Instead, Bacon hopes to get students into more electives, although she’s aware they only have so many teachers. Bacon said that the more students sign up for electives, the more likely the district is able to retain teachers. She wants high-schoolers to engage for seven periods a day.
After presenting statistics from the region — showing variables like graduation rate, students going onto four-year colleges and percentage of students coming from economically disadvantaged backgrounds — Bacon stated she wants her students to have the chance to achieve more at Pioneer.
With a tight budget, the high school will have to find alternative ways to get its students the coursework they need to advance their learning, Bacon said. For instance, students are offered online Advanced Placement courses and out-of-class internships to learn workplace skills.
“It’s really about preparing kids to be economically viable,” Bacon said. “We don’t just want to prepare them for a minimum wage job.”
Bacon emphasized the importance of four-year college for students to have a career in the 21st-century economy.
Part of this expectation, she continued, comes from the state expecting students to be more “college-ready.” That means when students go to college, they don’t have to take remedial courses to supplement their education, but rather are ready for the coursework; this goes hand-in-hand with offering an array of AP courses, she said.
“We have to give them this message that this is the expected path,” Bacon said. “Everybody should come into Pioneer with the expectation of going on to a four-year college.”
The only pushback during Thursday’s community forum came from the idea that Greenfield Community College might not be considered sufficient for students. She countered to say that GCC can definitely be the best fit, but the general expectation of the student body should be a four-year college.
Bacon reminded parents this curriculum isn’t necessarily for every student, adding she’s also working on alternative programming for students who need it.
If all of this is achieved, Bacon believes Pioneer can bump its statistics up closer to peer schools, like Frontier Regional School, which has similar demographics. And if Pioneer can do that, she feels students will graduate more prepared than ever for their next step in life.
Future forums Bacon will lead three other community forums at Warwick Community School on Monday, Pearl Rhodes Elementary School on Thursday and Northfield Elementary School on Nov. 13. All forums start at 6:30 p.m.

Reaching for a miracle

This sounds like a good idea on paper, however, I find it hard to grasp that you need someone to come in and explain the roles of a Superintendent, as a School committee member and explain the open meeting laws. Pat Shearer has been on this committee how long? Her time is done here and its time to put in fresh ideas and members in with ethics who can do the job.

Listen, this information is years overdue for this disaster of an administration and SC. I am looking forward to hear the outcome.

For the last 3 years our school has been basically destroyed. Yes, changes come but these changes have been disastrous .
1- Loss of Dayle Dorion thanks to a  School committee who had no idea what they were doing.
2- The SC not doing their jobs and lack in ethics.
3-Bullying by a Superintendent who pushed out Administrators who were the best of PVRS and had long standings with the schools,teachers,students and towns. A SC who chose not to hear them, the teachers, students or taxpayers.
4-A Superintendent who tried to destroy peoples careers by bullying and lying to the media . 
5-Lack of accountability
6-Loss of teachers who spoke out against the Superintendent and a SC who closed their ears to what was happening.
7-Bringing in a Principal with no experience and a V Principal who can't seem to get out of her own way. Both are a disgrace to PVRS but were hired due to they follow Millers rules of bullying.
8-Not allowing parents to speak at meetings or answering questions. Hiding information that should of been released to the taxpayers concerning issues with the school.
 9-Miller is unable direct and lead.
The list is endless and Miller expecting to hear what a great job she has done or her staff is a damn laugh! Since when is a bully acceptable? Or a Liar? This is what is running our school.

Well, lets see what happens..  Shirley Gilfether PVRS is in alot of trouble and Administrators and teachers and students are jumping ship without a life vest .I hope you have the answers but rarely does a bully change their actions and Miller has this following her and the same actions since the 90's. FYI get her away from the books! 

NORTHFIELD — Hoping to provide Pioneer Valley Regional School District officials with a better understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities, retired administrator Shirley Gilfether is organizing a Nov. 9 district leaders workshop.
The workshop, which will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Pioneer’s library, will involve presentations about the responsibilities of a superintendent and of school committees, the open meeting law, ethics and conflicts of interest. The program is geared toward central office administrators, the School Committee, the four district selectboards and the finance committees.
Gilfether, a Greenfield resident with 42 years of experience in education, first reached out to Pioneer’s Assistant Superintendent Gail Healy in late summer about organizing a workshop. Gilfether met Healy in the early 1990s, when Gilfether was principal of Greenfield High School and Healy was principal of Four Corners School. Having been retired for three years, Gilfether wanted to know if she could offer assistance to Pioneer.
“I just started to realize after those 42 yrs … that I had a lot of things that I could still give to people as a gift of my knowledge,” Gilfether said. “I thought Pioneer could use a hand.”
During recent meetings, Pioneer officials have clashed over what are the responsibilities of the School Committee versus the responsibilities of Superintendent Ruth Miller and other central office staff.

“Oftentimes this is their first foray into public office,” Gilfether said of school committee members, emphasizing the importance of “understanding roles and responsibilities so people aren’t bumping into each other and not overstepping or micromanaging.”
Gilfether served a three-year term on the Greenfield School Committee in the early 2000s, noting how thankful she was for training on a school committee’s roles. The position, she said, was very different from any role she held as an administrator or teacher.
“I’m hoping we’ll be able to provide some insight on the various components of roles and responsibilities of public officials that will help them do their jobs more efficiently and effectively,” Gilfether said of her goals for the workshop.
“It’s really quite a lineup (and) an unbelievable opportunity for all these towns,” said Pioneer Superintendent Ruth Miller. “I just hope that they’re either going to have the good work they’re already doing validated, or at the same time, maybe (learn) some techniques for making that work better.”
Including Gilfether, there will be five volunteer speakers:
— Gilfether will offer a brief segment on the state open meeting law;
— Patricia Correira of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees will discuss the responsibilities of school committees;
— Patricia Martin of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents will speak on superintendents’ responsibilities;
— Mary Jane Handy of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services will discuss a school committee’s legal responsibilities regarding revenue, budgeting and negotiations;
— And David Giannotti of the State Ethics Commission will present on ethics and conflicts of interest.
Each panelist will have about 20 minutes to speak, and the event will conclude with a question and answer session. Refreshments will be provided.
Gilfether said that while the workshop will provide information that’s general and standard in Massachusetts, she hopes attendees will leave seeking more in-depth training. For example, she said public officials can register for a regional open meeting law training on Nov. 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the John W. Olver Transit Center by calling 617-963-2925.
“I think this is hopefully a good beginning,” she said.

You were warned endlessly

What a bunch of BS. Lets go over this .
1- In her first year here she lied and stated our school had a  "SHORT FALL OF 460,000.00" she even reported it to the newspaper which in fact was NOT TRUE, and it was because she had no idea about school choice and how it was paid or how other districts paid. According to Miller in her own words to Templeton ..
 Coming from a finance background, Ms. Miller said she is looking forward to once again holding a position where she is both superintendent and business manager. The Pioneer Valley job, she said, drew her in because, like Narragansett, it is a regional district, spanning the towns of Northfield, Bernardston, Leyden and Warwick.
“I love regional school districts,” Miller stated. “I love that interaction. (HUH)
2-Endlessly we were warned about watching the budget by Templeton since 2015.

 One of the parents I have been talking to who was very involved in Templeton sent me this email. After he watched the video.her first year in Leyden.
https://pvrsconcernsandissues.blogspot.com/2016/06/just-wow.html

WoW people kind of told it like it is at pioneer.

I can see the message is consistent miller must go. Not sure she heard it but she I think looks down to those who were talking.

Pity she is only ½ human and can’t see past her nose. She could be one of the best and has chosen the path she walks over and over.

I at the end was hearing things about the reconciliation and audio was poor and camera off angle. Do they allow a budget to be public or do you have to FOIA requested it?

It sounds like ruthless may have a problem with it and when the years end it gets to a point where the books get cooked to make it through.

Things to look for are  changes from the previous budget to now. It helps to catch changes from year to year when the spread sheet has multiyear columns.

Ruthless will start to change these around and consolidate to throw  off the numbers as to be harder to follow.

Our advisory committee chairman wanted help with our towns budget and I went over to his house as we looked through it I found 5 items we voted at town meeting to transfer to another account and the accounting numbers from one to the new one were not as we voted them to be. I was able to find many errors that would be a reason for the DOR to stomp on our town we were able to catch prior to the  meeting and changes made the week of the ATM.

Sometimes we look to hard and can’t see it. As for ruthless she can hide it and move it like the best can. When the selectmen back her and tell the SC to be behind her they are covering their own backs and  from what I heard can smell a problem. I would predict a large shortfall in the end of year or next year budget and if the E+D fund is dry, look out.(HE IS SPOT ON HERE WE ARE 2017/2018)

That calls for a prop2 ½ override and is how she operates. Spend now as much as she can and when the town fights back the SC and other boards go lock step to get what they can for the kids. Because it’s all about the kids. Budgets are the key and when she moves away ,( and she will  when she gets in over her head) than she doesn’t have to see what she is doing to the system and the people in it.  The budget info at year’s end  can tell you what’s  in store for the system and people who work there.

It would have been nice to hear the ones who say the  boards should back ruthless should also be backing the teachers  too.

Funny you didn’t hear that did you? She has them baffled with bullshit about her budget.

 MILLERS STAY IS A 3 YEAR STANCE, BY THAN SHE HAS LOST CONTROL OF ALL HER BAIT AND SWITCH MOVES AND CLEARS OUT . Funny and here we are. 

Another reply from a Templeton resident on Paulys Templeton Blog watch 

Bev.Bart.April 26, 2015 at 9:01 AM

Oh yes, but clean up the back parking lot before you go ! Take the apple trees you want to plant with you. They will cost more to maintain than they will be worth. Take any other half ass ideas with you, and lets hope the School Committee where you are going is a strong one, so the community still has money to run the town when you are through. My opinion, Bev.

You ALL  closed your eyes and refused to believe what was in front of you . The building costs more than fixing the ones we had and thats money we will never see again. A once healthy and strong school has been brought to this. Remember this :

 

Mohawk, Pioneer among ‘best schools’ in US News & World Report  WE WILL NEVER BE HERE AGAIN .
https://pvrsconcernsandissues.blogspot.com/2016/06/mohawk-pioneer-among-best-schools-in-us.html

You never listened and it was all told to you and now we are at this crossroad and we have lost so much and YES, School Committee members this is on you and your lack of ethics and ability to do your damn jobs!

Another warning and nobody listened.

Monday, June 6, 2016

Ruth Miller old School in Templeton Speaks to PVRS

Statement from a Templeton Blog

smartJune 2, 2016 at 8:18 PM

So where have we heard this before? (This was done in Templeton as well.)

Scott McKusick, a clerk of the works who examined the mold situation, said at the meeting that the mold was minor, and could have been easily remediated. He sees the administration’s decision as a poor use of taxpayer money.
There's 36,000.00 the budget will never see again.
Along with the new furniture to make her comfortable.
All the extras this new home didn't have to offer she will get new.
The cost to move and will she then be happy in here new place at Pioneer away from Pioneer. How long will it take the school committee to get the mold taken care of and move her back where she belongs?
Does she work for them or does the school committee work for her?
If pioneer school district people will take any advise it's this. Please form and support a group to keep an eye on her and the school committee or your kids will pay the price if you don't.You're kids and their education should be on the top of this list.
With all educations a graduate will only look back to what could have been and wonder if the support they had through it was enough.
It's up to you to support those who step up to the challenge to lead and not just follow for the good of the schools kids.
"HELP"  stop this problem in it's tracks and above all WATCH THE BUDGET!

We would not have to share anything if the SC Members listened and did not push Dayle Dorion who did her job out and did not do theirs. !!!! School choice would of stayed and Duprey and our teachers would be here. You are fools if you think them books weren't cooked and you need a private auditor she knows nothing about or forewarned about to come in and really look.  SHE IS FAR FROM DONE.

 




Faced with the prospect of continued tight finances and declining enrollment, the Pioneer Valley Regional School District plans to explore the possibility of sharing a central office staff with another school system. This isn’t the type of change that any of the county’s towns or school districts likes to contemplate, but fiscal necessity is pushing Pioneer’s school leaders in that direction.
In its first meeting to discuss replacing Superintendent Ruth Miller, who leaves this summer, the search committee decided to scope out the possibility of sharing central office staff with another district. The vote was unanimous, which tells you something about how much pressure the district feels to stay afloat. Historically, the towns of Franklin County have preferred to maintain as much direct control as possible over their schools, especially elementary schools. Regionalizing beyond the current level has always been seen as bringing few benefits.
Miller’s departure itself speaks to the unpleasant prospects facing the four-town school system, which is experiencing declining enrollment and rising costs. When announcing her decision to leave Pioneer after her initial three-year contract expires, Miller implied she hadn’t come on board to preside over cuts to staff and programs, which has been the direction of late.
The subcommittee overwhelmingly agreed Thursday that the district should explore a shared superintendent and central office staff arrangement on an interim basis while considering opportunities for sharing central office staff long-term. An interim deal would give them a chance to see how such a sharing arrangement might work.

hawk Trail Regional School District and Greenfield School Department.

There is some precedent here. Some of the smallest towns have shared fire chiefs or police chiefs over the years.
Bernardston Selectman Robert Raymond said local school districts haven’t sought shared services before because “nobody wants to give up their autonomy,” but he expressed hope that doing so would allow for some financial relief. We know the first part is true — not juCommittee members will reach out to other nearby districts to gauge interest in sharing superintendents, business managers or other services. The districts include Frontier Regional School District, the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District, the Gill-Montague Regional School District, Franklin County Technical School, the Most for Northfield, Bernardston, Leyden and Warwick, but across Franklin County and the North Quabbin region. We’ll have to see if sharing central staff is even feasible from a management point of view and if the savings will be worth the trouble.
“I don’t think the same old model is what we need right now,” School Committee member William Wahlstrom agreed.
Pioneer Valley school officials are wise to explore sharing services as a way to save money and increase efficiency. If the approach works out, it could leave more dollars in the bank to perform the district's essential function: preparing students for their bright futures.

Concerning

After reading this and discussing it  we find that its not actually a good idea with kids playing football ,wrestling,or basketball in the lower grades with the more advanced kids who are much bigger and stronger, due mainly because of how its being handled.
Many of us know Gina Johnson and we also know her integrity and to take these kind of decisions outta her hands and place them in irresponsible hands such as them of Bacon and Miller who have no training in this area is a dangerous idea and  for the SC to agree with this is also unacceptable. Why would you do this and not have Gina who is experienced handle it?  I personally would not put the safety of my children in the hands of Miller or Bacon.
PVRS enrollment started taking a major nose dive when Miller came and everyone is aware of this . School choice won't even think of PVRS after the handling of the Administrators and the teachers. They have also failed to mention school choice kids were removed from PVRS and sent to BUHS, and other kids were transferred to other schools, but of course neither Bacon or Miller would supply that truth.
So we say no to this idea and I am sure parents will as well with it not being handled by Gina Johnson who has the experience in making these choices. She was trained for this job whereas Miller and Bacon were not and should not be allowed to make these choices for the kids.
Again, bad choices and the SC should be made aware that they are not putting the safety of the children first.

WARWICK – In the face of declining enrollment, the Pioneer Valley Regional School Committee approved a policy change allowing middle school students to play on either junior varsity or varsity teams.
Previously, the policy stated specifically that qualified eighth graders could play on varsity teams, and qualified seventh graders could play on junior varsity teams. The change, which was approved by the majority of the committee in a Thursday meeting at Warwick Community School, was proposed in hopes Pioneer could maintain full rosters rather than be forced to cut teams with low numbers.
“We find ourselves in new waters,” Pioneer Athletic Director Gina Johnson said during the meeting. “Our numbers are down so low.”
According to Pioneer Administrative Assistant Susan Anthony, Pioneer’s enrollment this year is 360 students in grades 7 through 12. At the start of last school year, Pioneer had 409 students, making for a 12 percent drop from one year to the next. Near the end of last school year, Principal Jean Bacon cited enrollment dropping from around 550 students in the previous five years.
The “driving force” behind Johnson’s proposal was the need to cut the school’s varsity field hockey program in early September after not having enough players in grades 8 through 12. For the rest of the fall season, the program functioned as a junior varsity team.

“I’m concerned we’re going to hit this in other sports,” Johnson explained, noting that a policy change would also “give our kids the chance to play at the next level.”
Under both the old and new policies, middle schoolers are only qualified to move up if they’re “academically, emotionally and physically capable, (are) recommended by the coach, (are) not displacing a varsity player and (have) parents/guardians who support the placement.” Under the new policy, Johnson and Pioneer Principal Jean Bacon will review each case and make a recommendation to Superintendent Ruth Miller regarding a student’s placement. Miller will make the final determination.
Some audience and School Committee members were concerned about the younger students’ physical safety, and worried they wouldn’t fit in among older, competitive athletes.
“You’re mixing seventh graders and seniors,” Bernardston Selectman Robert Raymond objected. “I think this School Committee should not approve this policy.”
School Committee member David Young agreed with Raymond, believing that parents would push their children to make the varsity teams. He proposed making approvals on a case-by-case basis, rather than establishing a policy.
Bernardston resident Mike Townsley suggested the policy be limited to non-contact sports.
“If you bring a younger kid up, he’s not going to fit in,” Townsley argued.
However, others felt comforted by the policy’s various safeguards.
“I felt reassured by the fact there’s so many levels where a problem could be brought up,” said resident Martha Parker, noting other circumstances where seventh graders and seniors learn to work together.
“This is already happening in drama,” Parker continued. “You have 12th and seventh graders and they’re very competitive … We don’t even think about it.”
The policy was approved by the policy subcommittee during a Wednesday meeting, and then by the full School Committee Thursday. Miller said the change is effective immediately and will apply to winter sports.

Now is your time PVRS- UPDATED

 Now that Miller is leaving (and three years to damn late) is the time to ensure that the next Superintendent stepping up is one that is good for PVRS and holds our values, something Miller never did . The destruction from her stay here will be felt for awhile to come.
Stay involved!! Go to the meetings , do your homework ,get names of who they are looking at , go on the internet, go to the schools and ask around , don't depend on the School Committee . ( Lord knows you cannot expect this SC to do what is in the best interest of PVRS or she would of been gone the first year). Bring your concerns to the table, make them public , we cannot allow another disaster to walk in this school.  Now is your time PVRS to right a wrong that has been done to us and our teachers and children.
As for you  SC we are very aware of you watching this blog and I promise you we are gonna make sure the next person to step into our school is worthy of our school. This one won't be a cake walk like your last disaster. So dot them i's and cross them t's because we are here to ensure that what is best for PVRS comes to PVRS. This is your time to make amends and undo what you have done to our schools. Its also time for you to make sure whatever is ahead is able to talk to school choice to get them to once again believe in our schools and what is taught here. You made this mess now its up to you to fix it. FYI next up is new Principal . Bacon also is not good for our school or Perry and unless we see changes they too need to go.
Its time PVRS takes back our schools and its now!

WE ARE WATCHING YOU !

NORTHFIELD — In their first meeting to discuss replacing Superintendent Ruth Miller, Pioneer Valley Regional School District’s Superintendent Search Committee decided to scope out the possibility of sharing administrators with another school district.
The search committee was formed as a result of Miller’s June announcement that she won’t be looking to negotiate a new contract once her current three-year contract is up. If nothing changes, Miller’s last day as superintendent will be June 30.
The five members of the committee are Patricia Shearer, John Rodgers, Jim Bell, Peggy Kaeppel and William Wahlstrom. With all present but Rodgers, the committee overwhelmingly agreed Thursday that the best path for the district is to try to work out some sort of shared superintendent and central office staff arrangement on an interim basis while considering opportunities for sharing central office staff long term.
Each member was assigned a school district to contact to gauge interest in sharing superintendents, business managers or other services on an interim basis. Districts include Frontier Regional School District, the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District, the Gill-Montague Regional School District, Franklin County Technical School, the Mohawk Trail Regional School District and Greenfield School Department.
The group also began drafting a letter, which members will share at Thursday’s School Committee meeting, to send as a follow-up to phone calls to each district.

Bernardston Selectman Robert Raymond said local school districts haven’t sought shared services because “nobody wants to give up their autonomy,” but hopes doing so would allow for some financial relief.
“I don’t think the same old model is what we need right now,” Wahlstrom agreed.
The four search committee members agreed an interim arrangement would allow time to find the right long-term solution, considering a crunch in time between now and the end of Miller’s contract.
“This is a big deal,” Shearer said. “We don’t want to end up with someone who doesn’t meet our specifications.”
“The idea of an interim sounds pretty good to me, so we have time to make a good decision,” Bell agreed.
The Superintendent Search Committee will meet again to report back on their conversations with other districts on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at Pioneer.










This is an update from a previous story concerning the transportation issue.

Well Well Well .. funny how things come out in the open when Pandora's box is starting to open.
It seems the transportation issue we can almost guarantee she knew about .. Why you ask?   Well, it just so happens I got an email from a Templeton resident and he said THIS ALSO HAPPEN IN TEMPLETON AND OH MY!! THE SAME WAY! SC how about you check and find out when she  first heard of this, SB you as well. Just call the company who informed her . Taxpayers would like to know.

Ideas?

Some ideas.. lets see your over payments in pay should of been the first to be cut  and removing Healy will save as well. Miller does not need an asst when the schools population is way down. Perry could also be released. Again, she shows her lack of ability to lead. Lets take from the kids and get rid of teachers and keep people who clearly are no longer needed. 
Again, you were warned and again you allowed it to happen and the only people here who are paying  for your mistakes Miller and SB, are the kids, teachers and taxpayers.

Buying her out the first year would of saved the school, and taxpayers and kids alot of unneeded stress.
I predicted it once and again I will state it PVRS is  on a one way street to closure.

NORTHFIELD — In the face of a projected $282,514 deficit for the current school year, Pioneer Valley Regional School District Superintendent Ruth Miller has some ideas for cuts.
Miller announced the shortfall in the approximately $14.1 million budget during a budget subcommittee meeting last week, explaining the deficit resulted primarily from the district receiving $303,601 less in regional transportation reimbursement than she budgeted.
However, during Thursday’s School Committee meeting, she said the health, life and dental insurance accounts may provide the most substantial savings. Miller said when looking at the budget again, she found she budgeted $280,752 more than was necessary in the wake of significant staffing changes.
“It was definitely impacted by the reduction in force last year,” she said.
Miller also proposed cutting $31,142 from the professional development fund, $3,668 from Northfield Elementary School’s budget primarily due to needing less money for books, and another school bus due to minimal use by students. Miller estimated cutting one bus would save $60,000.

At the School Committee’s August meeting, the committee also voted to cut $10,000 out of the budget that had been allocated to compensate Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Pam Lawrence for her services digitizing documents.
All the aforementioned cuts would save the district $385,562. Miller advised her suggestions go before the budget subcommittee at its next meeting.
“It looks like we’re going to be able to get through the year comfortably, and if we’re lucky, we’ll have some extra money,” she said.

Speechless

First off I want to make something very clear. Gina Johnson is far from anyone who would misappropriate funds. For that to be even mentioned is disgraceful. She works very hard for that school and the kids .

Additionally, Campbell recommended Athletic Director Gina Johnson turn over money for deposit on a weekly basis, rather than biweekly or monthly as has been done.
“Any delay between the collecting and turning over of receipts increases the risk that these funds could be misappropriated,” the auditors wrote in a management letter for the district.

I warned you it would get worst .. and here you are. She took complete control of fiances when she came in  and the SB allowed it to happen. Templeton warned you to watch the budget and not allow her to manage  and you allowed her to be in control of financial management. No records , no logs , and than a treasurer is put on one day while Miller, Bacon,Perry and Healy all get hefty raises and teachers are without jobs and the school is in quicksand  What do you see wrong here????
That extra money could of been used for the lunch deficit, yet was pocketed instead . Listen it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the way these logs have been done its easy to pocket alot of cash. Follow the money.If you can't see it I can't make you understand it. PVRS is dying just like Templeton was and little by little they are crawling out and if something isn't done soon this is gonna sink deeper than quicksand.





Open your eyes taxpayers or get ready for some hefty tax prices. While your at it smarten up and remove them on the SB quickly they are not working for you .

 









NORTHFIELD — Though Pioneer Valley Regional School District started fiscal year 2016 with a $381,414 structural budget deficit, the district managed to close the year in the black.
But financial management at the district is weak and could lead to other unforeseen budget problems, auditors told school officials recently.
Tanya Campbell and Patrice Squillante of Melanson Heath, the accounting and tax firm responsible for auditing Pioneer for the past two years, came before the School Committee Thursday to discuss the district’s budgetary weaknesses in the 2015-2016 school year, as well as ways to improve financial management.
Hearing about the structural budget deficit alarmed community members during a recent budget subcommittee meeting, but Thursday’s meeting allowed the auditors to explain the situation to a room of about 50 community members.
“You had voted an operating budget that was higher than your sources (of income) by this $380,000,” Squillante told the committee.”

By shifting about $200,000 worth of costs to the School Choice fund, and underspending “in a number of categories across the board,” such as administration and instruction, by almost $300,000, Squillante said the district ended that school year with a net income of about $25,000.
When considering how such a turnaround could have occurred, School Committee member Martha Morse said she recalled Superintendent Ruth Miller freezing spending in fall 2015.
“That, in essence, prevented us from going under,” Morse theorized.
“I think that’s a fair conclusion,” Squillante replied.
Reconciling the ledgerHowever, the district isn’t out of the woods either, based on the auditors’ review. In particular, Campbell said controls in the treasurer’s office worsened from one year to the next.
In FY16, the treasurer tracked cash flow in a manual ledger that didn’t adequately distinguish between bank accounts, Campbell said. A manual ledger, she continued, allows for more errors, especially considering the district’s numerous transactions.
And now, the new treasurer, Kelly Jones, who works only one day each week, is behind in tracking the accounts.
“Our understanding is that there’s no formal cash flow being recorded in 2017,” Campbell said. “Bank reconciliations have not been done since June 2016.”
Campbell recommended employing outside help, which Miller hopes to arrange through the Franklin Regional Council of Governments.
“We can’t stress the urgency of needing to do this sooner rather than later, having gone this long without any reconciliations in place,” Campbell said. “You really don’t have a good handle on where things ended in 2017 … If things aren’t OK, it’s better to know that sooner than later.”
More room for improvementThe increasing school lunch deficit also continues to be a problem for the district. Assistant Superintendent Gail Healy advised the deficit was $249,000 at the end of July.
To add buffer room into the budget, Squillante advised increasing the unassigned general fund balance, which was $113,000, or less than 1 percent of the budget, in FY16. Up to 5 percent can be unassigned, she said, recommending the district try to “restore some of that surplus.”
In the case of the Athletic Department, Campbell said the two “found a couple areas where improvement could be made.” She found no formal receipt log was maintained to track money coming in, nor were the department’s records formally reconciled to the general ledger.
Additionally, Campbell recommended Athletic Director Gina Johnson turn over money for deposit on a weekly basis, rather than biweekly or monthly as has been done.
“Any delay between the collecting and turning over of receipts increases the risk that these funds could be misappropriated,” the auditors wrote in a management letter for the district.
Miller said Johnson has heard the auditors’ recommendations and has already implemented them.
Another budgeting weakness that persisted from FY15 involved the auditors being unable to find a comprehensive budget document, suggesting a one-page summary of uses and funds. However, such a document is something Miller is working to fine-tune.

YOU WERE WARNED OVER AND OVER

 OMG your ignorance school committee has destroyed this school and everything it stands for. You were warned not to hire Miller  , we warned you to watch the budget by Templeton! Over and over you were warned and that  she would also eventually get to the sports and here you are. Templeton is still trying to undig themselves from what she did to them and it will take YEARS!
You threw our school into chaos and despair and now you act stupid like what the hell happened!
Your ignorance happened, you allowing  our principal and Mike Duprey and Cathy HH leaving and valuable teachers. You closed your ears to what was happening and the destruction she was creating right under your damn noses!
Astronomical raises while teachers are losing their damn jobs .. what the hell is wrong with you! As it stands you ALL need to be fired and Miller needs to see the door with the rest she brought here .
Your a damn disgrace ALL OF YOU on this committee but especially you Pat  and  ALL because you couldn't do your damn jobs and listen to what was being put in front of you.
You lost school choice from this BS.. and you have parents searching out other schools for their children's education  because you would not listen to them and it was ALL happening in front of you and even the kids told you they no longer felt safe in their own school!  Great job. 
PVRS is done and I can see the state closing this school and its all on you and especially you Pat and Young.
Trust me your nightmare has only begun shes not done yet .

NORTHFIELD — Once again, Pioneer Valley Regional School Committee is left searching for places to make cuts after more concrete budget figures show the district needs another $282,514 to balance the books for the current school year.
The budget subcommittee learned about the shortfall in its approximately $14.1 million budget this week from Superintendent Ruth Miller who projected the deficit if no cuts are made.
She said the deficit resulted primarily from the district receiving $303,601 less in regional transportation reimbursement than Miller anticipated.
Having just been audited by accounting and tax firm Melanson Heath for FY16, which yielded equally troubling figures, subcommittee member David Young explained auditors Tanya Campbell and Patrice Squillante recommended revisiting the current budget “to make sure we haven’t launched into FY18 with a structural deficit.”
“We’re not going to make it to the end of the year, going by the auditors,” subcommittee member Jeanne Milton added.

Reading a letter from Melanson Heath, School Committee Chairwoman Patricia Shearer explained FY16’s audit also found a nearly $400,000 structural budget deficit. FY16 was Miller’s first year as superintendent.
Miller said Campbell and Squillante will attend Thursday’s School Committee meeting to explain their findings. Neither could be reached Friday afternoon.
The auditors’ suggestions include hiring an outside firm to catch up on the treasurer’s work as “the bank accounts have not been reconciled for many months” and hiring a temporary business manager. Currently, Miller acts as both superintendent and district business manager.
Additionally, in both FY15 and FY16 audits, the auditors have been unable to locate a comprehensive budget document. Subcommittee member Peggy Kaeppel said Squillante recommended getting a template for such a document from the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials.
Concern expressed The figures elicited great concern from those attending the meeting.
“I’m very concerned every meeting I come to,” said Leyden Finance Committee Chairwoman Michele Giarusso, who is also chairwoman of the regional HEART Committee, a Pioneer support group. “It’s just negative, negative, negative, and we keep getting deeper and deeper into trouble.”
“You have come into the year with less than zero, and that’s why we’re having problems,” Bernardston Selectman Robert Raymond told the subcommittee. “And nobody knows what the figure is. I as a town official have no faith in this … We haven’t been able to compare anything in the past few years.”
Richard Fontaine, another member of the HEART Committee and former School Committee member, said the budget isn’t presented with transparency.
“We’ve got some very high price people and they’re not making correct decisions,” Fontaine exclaimed.
Given significant cuts to staffing at Pioneer, John Rodgers thought the cuts should have saved the district hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“Where did it all go?” he asked.
Bernardston Finance Committee Chairwoman Jane Dutcher also pointed to the rising school lunch deficit, which subcommittee members estimated to be around $250,000.
Future cuts The subcommittee began brainstorming ways to cut $282,514 out of the current budget. Paying Bernardston Elementary School Principal Bob Clancy $10,000 to also serve as Pearl Rhodes Elementary School principal, instead of the $52,800 the district had paid former Pearl Rhodes Principal Deanna Leblanc, saves $42,800.
As School Resource Officer Igor Komerzan recently resigned, some committee members proposed not refilling the position, which would save the district about $28,000.
Other suggestions included cutting Pioneer Assistant Principal Jennifer Albert Perry or Assistant Superintendent Gail Healy, eliminating one or two additional buses, cutting four classroom instructional assistants at the elementary school level, using a payroll service instead of a clerk, and decreasing the sports budget.
“We have protected sports for my entire affiliation with the school district, which is 30 years,” said Cathy Hawkins-Harrison, whose dean of students position was cut from the current year’s budget. “But there’s a part of me that says if we touched sports, we’d have to have this meeting in the auditorium, because parents would be up in arms!”
Sharon Fontaine recalled serious cuts to the sports budget in the late 1980s.
“It was heart wrenching,” she said. “But we kept the school going.”
No cuts or budgeting solutions were voted on during the meeting. The budget subcommittee plans to meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Pioneer, where it is expected to vote on recommendations for cuts to bring to the full School Committee during Thursday’s meeting, also at 7 p.m. at Pioneer.