Superintendent's Dec 2025 Update
Gill-Montague Regional School District
As we approach the start of the much-anticipated winter/holiday break, I wanted to take a significant moment to express my sincere and profound gratitude. My thanks go out, first and foremost, to our incredibly dedicated staff, whose tireless work and commitment ensure a nurturing and challenging learning environment every day. I also extend my appreciation to our motivated students, who come to school ready to learn and grow, and to our supportive families, who partner with us in their children's education.
This season is more than just a pause in the school calendar; it is a vital time for reflection on the progress we've made, a time for cultivating compassion in our hearts, and a powerful time for coming together as a strong, unified community to celebrate the core values that bind us—respect, excellence, and collaboration.
The energy and spirit within our school buildings have been truly inspiring. It has been a wonderful experience to feel the students' excitement and positive chatter echoing in our hallways and, more importantly, to see the incredible, meaningful work happening daily in every classroom across our district.
In addition to seeing improved learning, our students are making a significant positive impact outside of school too!
The Helping Hands team, for example, successfully organized a Thanksgiving meal drive, distributing 42 complete, nutritious meals to families within our community.
Furthermore, our students' enthusiastic participation in the annual Monte’s March for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts showcased profound community spirit. Their fundraising efforts collected over $7,000, which equates to an astonishing 14,000 meals for local families facing food insecurity.
These visible drives and daily classroom kindnesses consistently highlight the strength, compassion, and interconnected community that defines our district. They are a powerful reminder of the transformative impact we achieve when fostering citizenship and service alongside intellectual growth.
As the school doors close for the break, I wish everyone a truly joyful, peaceful, and restorative recess. May this time offer you a chance to slow down, disconnect from the usual routine, and find ample time to connect deeply with family and friends. I hope that every member of our community returns in the new year completely recharged, refreshed, and ready to make great, new strides in all areas of teaching and learning.
Please remember this crucial detail for planning: students will return to school on Monday, January 5, 2026. Until then, have a wonderful and safe holiday season. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year for an even more successful spring semester.
Tari N. Thomas, Interim Superintendent
The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) Superintendent's Excellence in Academics Award, stands as one of the most prestigious forms of recognition for high-achieving public high school seniors across the Commonwealth. This annual citation is not merely an honor; it is a significant academic credential that is typically presented at a crucial time to bolster a student's competitive standing in the college admissions process.
This award is rooted in the shared commitment of Massachusetts superintendents to acknowledge and celebrate students who demonstrate a rare combination of top-tier academic performance, personal character, and deep commitment to their school and community.
In essence, the M.A.S.S. Certificate of Academic Excellence serves as a statewide recognition for exceptional seniors, a program managed and executed locally by the respective district superintendents who have the best insight into their students' achievements.
The spirit of this statewide recognition was brought to life in a special local event held recently for the region's top students.
On Thursday, December 4th, all of the Franklin County school superintendents collaboratively organized a dinner to honor their award-winning seniors. This joint effort highlighted a regional dedication to celebrating student success. The event was hosted at the Apprentice Restaurant at Franklin County Technical School, a fitting venue that showcases the talents of other students in the region's vocational programs.
The focus of the evening for GMRSD was Turners Falls High School senior, Estes Lemerise-Reinking, who was the featured award recipient. Estes exemplifies the criteria of the M.A.S.S. award through his outstanding academic record, leadership, and community contributions.
His achievement was celebrated by a distinguished group of attendees, underscoring the community-wide pride in his success. In attendance to honor Estes were his supportive parents, Principal Messina, School Committee Chair Jane Oakes, and a beloved educator, Ms. Comeau, representing the deep personal and institutional support Estes has received.
To delve deeper into the specific achievements and qualities that earned Estes this prestigious recognition, click on my speech below:
Speech on Estes Lemerise-Reinking
Tari N. Thomas, Interim Superintendent
The Gill-Montague Regional School District Committee is seeking a motivated educational leader with strong academic, collaborative management, and communication skills to serve as Superintendent for its 850-student preK-12 district and we need people to serve on the search committee. The timeline is as follows:
January 16: Application Deadline
January 20: Semi-finalists selected
Week of January 26: Semi-finalist interviews
Week of February 2: Finalists announced
Week of February 9: School Committee/Finalist site visits
Week of February 23: Finalist selection
July 1, 2026: Starting date
If you are interested in serving on the search committee, please follow the hyperlink below:
Ms. Wheeler's Grade 2 class brought the classic folktale, Stone Soup, to life through a hands-on literary and cooking project. After reading the story and discussing its themes of community, collaboration, and resourcefulness, the students were inspired to recreate the experience. Emulating the villagers' generosity, each student contributed a vegetable—carrots, potatoes, onions, or celery—which they then simmered together to create a rich, savory pot of "Stone Soup." This shared experience of preparing and tasting the soup reinforced the story's powerful lesson: that when everyone contributes, even small things, the collective result is something wonderful and nourishing for all.
Senior Trip to NYC!
Gill Elementary's Motto
New Logo for Hillcrest Elementary!
Everest Dressed for the Turkey Trot at Sheffield!
Sheffield's Gratitude Tree
Wonderful Old Stage Graffiti at Sheffield
Hillcrest Sign
Twinning at Secondary!
In Massachusetts, School Improvement Plans (SIPs) are mandated, data-driven strategic roadmaps. They require schools to analyze needs, set SMART goals (academics, culture, support), and detail actions, resources, and timelines to improve student learning and performance. SIPs are guided by the DOE's "Planning for Success" model, focusing on equity and collaboration, especially with School Advisory Councils (SACs), to meet state and district goals.
Key Components & Purpose: SIPs are data-driven, goal-oriented (using SMART goals), include specific action plans, are collaborative (involving SACs), and ensure alignment with broader educational expectations.
Core Focus Areas: Academics (closing gaps), Equity (culturally affirming lens), Student Support (SEL, attendance), School Culture, and Family Engagement.
Process: The "Planning for Success" model involves: 1) Analyzing Performance Data, 2) Creating a multi-year plan with annual steps, and 3) Implementing, Monitoring, and Adjusting the plan.
In essence, a Massachusetts SIP is a required, comprehensive, and ongoing strategy for continuous school improvement for all students. Please find via the hyperlinks below each GMRSD School’s SIPs for the 2025-2026. They are terrific roadmaps for student success!
2025-2026 Gill Elementary SIP GES Slides
2025-2026 Sheffield Elementary SIP SES Slides
Welcome! We are glad you are here, adding a different perspective and new optimism to our mission to prepare every single one of our students, exceedingly well, for higher learning in the 21st century.
Octavio Liriano, 1st Grade Teacher at Hillcrest
Lesley Arak, Instructional Assistant at Hillcrest
Marcelia Brown, Math Interventionist , District-Wide
Employment Information and Job Postings
We are always looking for qualified faculty and staff to serve our students and make a positive contribution to our schools. If you have the qualifications we are looking for, we invite you to complete the employment application. We look forward to hearing from you!
https://www.gmrsd.org/human-resources
We are seeking special education teachers for our therapeutic programs, maintenance and custodial employees and instructional assistants.
The search for the next educational leader of Gill Elementary took a decisive step forward recently as the Principal Search Committee announced the selection of three highly qualified finalists. This rigorous, weeks-long selection process has successfully identified the candidates who possess the vision, experience, and commitment to potentially lead the school into its next chapter of academic and cultural excellence.
The committee, a diverse group composed of administrators, dedicated teachers and engaged parents, began its search with a robust pool of fourteen applicants from across the state. This initial pool was evaluated based on criteria derived from comprehensive community input sessions held last month, ensuring the school's specific needs and values were central to the process.
Following an intensive review of resumes, letters of intent, and professional portfolios, the committee conducted a round of initial interviews. These confidential sessions probed each candidate's administrative philosophy, approach to instructional leadership, and capacity for fostering a supportive and challenging learning environment.
A critical phase of the selection process concluded this past week, as each of the three finalists visited the Gill Elementary campus for comprehensive, half day engagements. These visits were designed to give the candidates a true, unfiltered sense of the school environment and, crucially, to allow the school community to assess their potential fit and leadership style.
The Search Committee is now in the final phase of its work, compiling and meticulously analyzing all formal feedback gathered during the site visits, including input forms from students, staff, and parents. This comprehensive profile on each candidate will inform the committee's final deliberation.
The committee is scheduled to submit its final, confidential recommendation(s) to the Superintendent of Schools on Thursday 12/11/2025. Final interviews will be held with the Superintendent of Schools and a decision and official announcement on the new Principal of Gill Elementary is expected to be made public soon in order to ensure a smooth transition for the remainder of the academic year.
We are delighted to announce that on December 12th, the MSBA invited us to enter the Eligibility Period!
MSBA School Building Grants: What Parents and the Public Need to Know
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) helps cities and towns pay for new school construction or major renovations. Before a community can officially apply for a grant, they must first enter an "Eligibility Period."
What is the Eligibility Period?
This period is essentially a time for the school district and the MSBA to agree on several critical requirements, making sure the district is ready and able to handle a complex building project. Think of it as a mandatory preparation phase before the MSBA will seriously consider funding a project.
Key Requirements During Eligibility:
During this phase, the school district must demonstrate they have met specific prerequisites. If the community does not meet all of these requirements within a set timeframe (typically 270 days), they cannot move forward with the project.
For staff, parents and the general public, the most important steps the district must complete are:
Forming a School Building Committee: The district must establish a dedicated, diverse committee responsible for overseeing the project. This committee includes local officials and community members.
Hiring a Project Manager (Owner's Project Manager - OPM): The district must hire an experienced firm to represent the city/town's interests, manage the budget, oversee the design, and ensure the project is completed successfully.
Conducting a Feasibility Study: The MSBA requires the district to conduct a thorough study to look at all possible solutions for the school's needs—from renovation to new construction—and determine the most cost-effective and educational approach.
Confirming Local Support: The MSBA must see evidence that the city or town has the legal and financial ability to fund their share of the project's cost. This often involves local votes or appropriations.
Submitting Documentation: The district must provide the MSBA with various certifications and agreements, including proof of required maintenance spending and adherence to MSBA guidelines.
In short, the Eligibility Period ensures that a community is organized, financially prepared, and ready to make informed decisions before the MSBA commits state funds to a school building project.
More specifics may be accessed below:
The Owner's Project Manager and Designer completed a feasibility analysis and Schematic Design for the Gill Elementary School roof replacement, including scope, schedule, and budget. Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects, Inc., the Designer, formally recommends the project, confirming compliance with MSBA sustainability requirements. MSBA staff reviewed the existing conditions, schedule, scope, and budget with the District and its consultants. The District's Total Project Budget is $3,798,129, with a construction cost of $2,632,344. Construction costs include: $1,807,965 for a metal roof with concealed fasteners; $51,986 for solar readiness; $478,080 for accessibility upgrades; and $294,313 for miscellaneous site improvements. Of the site costs, $25,295 (bike racks and landscaping) is ineligible. MSBA staff recommends the Estimated Total Facilities Grant at $2,512,557.
In addition, the Town of Gill/GMRSD applied for and was awarded an extension of 90 days to to complete actions associated with securing funding for the Total Project Budget for the Gill Elementary School. The submission of the properly certified documentation illustrating that the District has appropriated its funding should be provided to the MSBA no later than June 15, 2026.
Details may be accessed below:
Our student attendance is currently at 92.6%. Although this figure is respectable, it puts us slightly below the state average of 93.2%. We are actively focusing on this marginal difference, as maximizing student presence is paramount to their overall success.
As I highlighted in my previous newsletter last month, the correlation between consistent student attendance and positive educational outcomes is undeniable. Regular attendance is a critical factor not only in boosting student achievement rates—ensuring they don't miss essential instruction—but also in cultivating a stronger sense of belonging and community within the school environment. When students are present, they are more engaged with their peers and educators, which enriches the entire learning experience.
For your reference and deeper dive into the district's performance data, you can access the official information through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education:
GMRSD 2024-2025 Student Attendance Data
We will continue to monitor this metric closely and look forward to partnering with you, our families, to improve our attendance rates in the coming months.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) recently released school staff attendance data for the 2024-2025 school year. This marks the first time such data has been made public, complementing the student attendance data the department has released in the past. This initiative promotes transparency, and future data will be used to identify system-wide trends.
Key Data Points from the State
The data reveals that the average attendance rate for the 82,453 teachers in Massachusetts was 93.5% during the 2024-2025 school year, with an average of 11.7 absences among teachers.
What is an Absence?
For the purpose of these reports, an absence is strictly defined as:
Missing more than half of the workday for a reason that falls outside of paid school vacation time or district-approved professional development activities.
Example: If a workday is four hours, an employee must be present for at least two hours to be considered present for that day.
Who is Included in the Report?
All employees reported in the staff roster are included, not just educators.
Staff on Full-Year Leave: Even if a staff person is on leave (paid or unpaid) for the entire year, their attendance must be reported if they are on the staff roster. This is reported as zero (0) days present.
What Information is in the Reports?
Staff attendance reports include:
Attendance rates
The average number of absences
This information is reported in the aggregate for three groups: teacher, administrator, and “all staff” levels. Data for groups smaller than six individuals is suppressed to protect privacy.
Why Is the Attendance Rate for Administrators So Low?
It was very concerning to review the report and receive the information that school administrators were reportedly identified as missing 32.1 days or maintaining an 86.7% attendance rate. How can the district uphold the importance of consistent school attendance for students and staff if the administrators are not adhering to this standard? Upon prompt investigation, it has been determined that a reporting error occurred.
In actuality, administrators in the Gill-Montague Schools, when calculating sick time leave, maintained a daily attendance range between 93% and 98%, with the total number of sick days used ranging from a maximum of 16.5 days to a minimum of 2 total days. The average attendance rate for administrators is 96%.
This raises the question of how such a discrepancy could have arisen. It has been ascertained that this is the first year of this Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) reporting requirement, and there was a misinterpretation regarding which specific leave time was to be included in the total calculation. As school administrative contracts are typically year-round and encompass specified vacation, personal days, and bereavement days, the numbers reported were skewed to reflect all contracted days rather than solely sick days.
The Goal of the Data
The data is intended to help districts analyze the information to better understand how absences may affect student achievement in the classroom. It is not to be used to evaluate the individual performance of teachers.
Our staff's consistent and dedicated presence is absolutely key to our collective success and to fostering the best possible learning environment for our students. We fundamentally believe that a strong, supportive partnership with our employees is essential. This commitment reflects our ongoing dedication to caring for our staff, recognizing them as the most valuable asset within our organization.
Ultimately, it is their daily commitment, their expertise, and their tireless effort that truly makes the difference in the lives of our students and drives the overall mission of our institution forward.
Click link for our enrollment figures:
December 2025 Enrollment Figures
OOD refers to Out-of-District placements.
Tari N. Thomas, Interim Superintendent
35 Crocker Avenue,
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Email: tari.thomas@gmrsd.org
Website: www.gmrsd.org