Meetings of the Gardner MA School Committee

This page will feature Gardner Massachusetts School Committee meetings. Just click any of the PLAY buttons below.

We also have a Gardner School Committee AUDIO page, with audio files playable on any device. CLICK HERE.

  • School Committee 10-13-26
    School Committee Meeting 10-13-26

    Consequential School Committee Meeting

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    School Committee 10-13-26

    The October 15, 2026, regular meeting of the Gardner School Committee addressed major municipal governance disputes, capital facility updates, district administrative policy changes, and student achievements.

    The central governance issue involved a proposed City Council ordinance concerning Section 40 of the City Charter. The ordinance seeks to establish strict oversight procedures for school capital projects and alterations. Superintendent Dr. Pellegrino and committee members discussed the balance of power between the School Committee’s exclusive budget authority under Massachusetts General Law and the City Council’s oversight.

    School Committee Action: While the School Committee granted retroactive approval for the Gardner High School (GHS) C-Wing locker room project, it voted to grant additional time to review the broader Section 40 capital projects classification list following member requests for clarification.

    Key administrative and financial disclosures included an operational update on relocating the School Department’s central offices from the second floor to the first floor of the Elm Street facility. The move yields an estimated annual operational savings of $12,000 to $15,000, achieving a full return on investment within 1.5 to 2 years. Additionally, the Committee approved the District Improvement Plan, the Superintendent’s Goals, and annual Student Activity Account authorizations, while initiating a first reading for a mandated civil law enforcement interaction policy (Protect Act).

    Governance & Jurisdictional Debate: City Charter Section 40 vs. State Law: Overview of the Section 40 Controversy

    The Finance Subcommittee and the full committee engaged in an extensive debate regarding a proposed City Council ordinance amending procedures under Section 40 of the City Charter. Under Massachusetts General Law, once the City Council appropriates a total budget sum to the school district, the School Committee maintains exclusive authority over how those funds are expended. Section 40 of the City Charter requires joint School Committee voting and Mayor approval specifically for: Purchasing land; Constructing new school buildings; and/or Executing “major alterations” of existing school facilities. Superintendent Dr. Pellegrino presented a legal and structural analysis highlighting ambiguity around the definition of an “alteration.”

    Statutory Definitions & Legal Guidance

    • MGL Chapter 143, Section 1 Definition: Defines an alteration as any change or addition to a building that reduces exit means, reduces fire resistance, or changes structural support, use, or occupancy. Under this definition, projects like the GHS C-Wing locker room expansion qualify under Section 40 due to moving walls and changing room occupancy.
    • Concerns over City Council Overreach: Dr. Pellegrino expressed concern regarding “Item 5” of the City Council’s proposed procedure. This clause would mandate that the School Committee explicitly justify why any non-alteration capital project funded out of the school department’s general budget is not a Section 40 project. Dr. Pellegrino emphasized that requiring justifications for ordinary repairs funded within the school department’s existing budget oversteps City Council authority and infringes on the School Committee’s statutory purview.
    • City Council President Communication: A September newsletter from City Council President George Tyros stated that the School Committee has “inconsistently” received updates and that requests for appropriations from the school department arrive at the “last possible hour.” Dr. Pellegrino refuted the characterization of an “out-of-control school department,” maintaining that the administration operates strictly within the parameters delegated by the School Committee.

    Committee Debate & Perspectives

    • Superintendent Dr. Pellegrino: Warned that without a clear, codified definition of “alteration,” the district faces a operational landmine where routine maintenance could be misconstrued as unapproved alterations.
    • Mrs. Veronica Guay: Urged positive communication with the City Council, stating the intent of the ordinance is “fiscal soundness for the city of Gardner” rather than taking away School Committee power. She advocated for a comprehensive urban plan coordinating municipal and educational facilities.
    • Mrs. Hurst: Questioned why the committee was re-examining the issue before the Council took a final vote, expressing that the committee should allow the process to play out without creating friction.
    • Mr. Swartz: Recommended that the Facilities Committee be involved earlier in the development phase of concepts and projects to ensure cost transparency before bills arrive. He supported drafting a formal School Department legal interpretation of Section 40 requirements.
    • Mr. Cormier & Mayor Nicholson: Affirmed support for the Superintendent’s administrative authority while noting that communications between the bodies ultimately flow through the Mayor and School Committee leadership.

    Capital Improvement Projects & Facility Operations

    The Finance Subcommittee report and district updates provided status reports on multiple capital and maintenance projects:

    Project LocationDescriptionEstimated / Actual CostStatus / Financial Notes
    GHS C-WingLocker room renovation & expansion$3.4 Million (originally estimated at $2M, then $3M)In demolition phase. Funded via unexpended bond funds. A $2,000 change order for floor leveling (tile removal) is under review by Tyng Bond. Retroactively approved under Item 3810.
    GHS Second FloorBathroom reconstruction~$100,000 (Plumbing quotes) + ~$50,000 (Stalls & fixtures)Two quotes received under $100k for plumbing. Committee directed administration to seek additional quotes before proceeding.
    Gardner Middle SchoolRoof replacement projectN/ANear substantial completion as of the week ending Sept 26, despite a multi-day delay caused by a Nor’easter.
    Gardner Middle SchoolSidewalk replacement$225,000Form submitted for Capital Improvement Plan. Cost calculated via square footage estimates. Endorsed by subcommittee as ordinary maintenance.
    GMS Air HandlersRooftop unit repairs~$100,000Active repair project funded through internal general/revolving funds.
    GHS Garage AdditionFacility additionN/AClassified via committee amendment as a Section 40 project rather than ordinary maintenance.
    District ElevatorsMaintenance & refreshN/AHistory of unsatisfactory service from Otis Elevator Company (“Yotus”). Administration is actively pursuing service upgrades to maintain accessibility compliance.

    Elm Street Central Office Relocation Details: Dr. Pellegrino clarified the operational logic behind moving administrative offices from the second floor to the first floor at the Elm Street facility:

    • Operational Rationale: Resolves severe public confusion regarding building entry points, corrects accessibility issues, and consolidates staff. The rear exterior ramp has been fully repaired, rendering the entire first floor accessible.
    • Financial Return on Investment (ROI): Heating and cleaning the expansive second-floor hallways for only a few personnel created substantial waste. Moving downstairs reduces operational costs by $12,000 to $15,000 annually, achieving a full ROI within 1.5 to 2 years.
    • Carpet Tile Expenditure: The district purchased 800 square yards of uniform carpet tiles for $16,500.
      • 459 square yards (~$9,500) were utilized for the Elm Street central offices.
      • The remaining tiles were allocated to Gardner Middle School for ongoing maintenance (following a $25,000 carpeting project at GMS the previous year).
    • Cost Minimization: Central Office staff physically moved all personal items, whiteboards, and small equipment. Paid movers were retained strictly by the hour to move heavy desks, large conference tables, and fireproof filing cabinets.

    Policy Actions & Administrative Approvals

    Votes & Action Items: Item 3808 (District Improvement Plan): Adopted unanimously as presented. Item 3809 (Superintendent Goals): Adopted unanimously as presented. Item 3810 (CIP Request – GHS C-Wing Locker Rooms): Retroactive capital plan approval granted for ongoing renovations. Item 3811 (Capital Improvement Plan Projects List): Mrs. Guay requested additional time to review the unmerged, comprehensive Section 40 categorization list. Granted without objection. Item 3812 (Annual Student Activity Account Authorizations): Approved at recommended maximum balance levels under Policy JJA.

    Policy Revisions (First Readings – Item 3807) —Policy BHE: Use of Electronic Messaging by School Committee Members (Amendment). Policy EH AAA: District Security Relating to Technology (Amendment). Policy EHB: Data and Records Retention (Amendment). Policy AC (New Adoption): Interacting with Law Enforcement Officers Engaged in Civil Enforcement. Context: Implements the state’s newly passed Protect Act, based on guidance from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC). Operational Protocol: Principals (or the Athletic Director on athletic fields) serve as immediate contacts if ICE/civil enforcement officers arrive. Staff must immediately contact the Central Office. Staff are prohibited from releasing student information without parental consent or obstructing officers. Central administration and legal counsel will verify whether incoming officers possess a valid judicial warrant versus an administrative warrant.

    Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC / CPAC) Update: During review of the Special Education report (Item 3816), Ms. Hurst expressed concern that SEPAC/CPAC lacks active parent members and urged the administration not to advertise general events under the CPAC label until a formal parent membership is established. Recommendations to recruit members included leveraging the Gardner Disability Commission, placing notices in IEP meetings, and utilizing MASC/Federation training resources.

    Student Advisory Board & District Recognition: Student Representative Elizabeth Pawlowski presented the GHS and Gardner Academy updates: Student Recognitions & Programs – GHS September Wildcat Winners: Serena Longton, James Ramos, Lucas Goodwin. Gardner Academy September Student of the Month: Tyler Doucette (recognized for core values: Community, Appreciation, Responsibility, Excellence). Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School (Monte) MVP Partnership: 25 GHS students enrolled in vocational tracks covering Electrical, Carpentry, and Plumbing (newly added). Safety Assemblies: Conducted Sept 16 in partnership with Gardner Police, training students on “Run, Hide, Fight” protocols in preparation for upcoming district-wide safety drills. Athletic Highlights: Homecoming victories across field hockey, soccer, and football. GHS Field Hockey Coach Meg Lhuillier was named Telegram & Gazette Coach of the Year.

    District-Wide Music Program Metrics: Mayor Michael Nicholson provided enrollment metrics highlighting the district’s music programs following the All-City Band Night on September 25 (which hosted over 200 performing students): Elementary School Band: ~195 participating students. Middle School Band: Just over 225 participating students. High School Band: 36 participating students (including 18 freshmen).

    Executive Updates: Former School Building Dispositions: Mayor Nicholson submitted an official report detailing the finalized sales and market-rate housing conversion plans for decommissioned school properties: Statutory Proceeds Restriction: State law mandates that proceeds from the sale of municipal school properties are restricted to the city’s municipal property sale account. Funds may strictly be utilized to pay down city debt schedules or fund specific capital projects. Perry Auditorium Status: Final contractor walkthrough scheduled for Thursday; municipal cleaning scheduled for Friday. The auditorium reopens Saturday evening to host the Athletic Association Ball.

    Public Comment – Werner Poegel praised Superintendent Dr. Pellegrino and the committee for raising district reading scores and expanding dual-enrollment college degree opportunities for high school students. Poegel also commended the superintendent for creating a new advance notification system for winter school closings that simultaneously alerts local media (WGAW, Gardner Magazine, Gardner News), the Gardner Senior Center, and local public safety agencies.

    Gardner School Committee 10-13-26 Meeting
    A Shared Future 10-13-26
    4 Surprising Realities - Governance Realities 10-13-26

    Gardner Magazine also has the following infographics for additional information on the subjects from this meeting. 1. A general overview of agenda topics. 2. Understanding local budgeting and municipal governance. 3. Policy Evaluation – Proposed Charter Amendment. 4. When Transparency Trigger Gridlock CLICK an IMAGE for a larger view.

    General overview
    Understanding local budgeting
    Proposed Charter Amendment
    When Transparency Triggers Gridlock

  • School Committee 9-14-26

    Gardner MA School Committee Meeting of September 14, 2026:

    School Committee 9-14-26

    We cover facilities and infrastructure status, academic performance and strategic planning, governance and the city charter, administrative actions, and various updates.

    View the infographics below for additional details.

    Gardner School Committee Meets for First time this School Year

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    School Committee 9-14-26

    The Gardner School Committee meeting on September 14, 2026, focused on critical infrastructure updates, financial health, and the formal adoption of new academic and governance strategies. Key highlights include:

    • Infrastructure Stress: Significant facility concerns were raised regarding the Gardner High School (GHS) elevator, the Middle School roof and generator, and the final phase of the GHS auditorium project.
    • Academic Refocus: The district has accelerated its District Improvement Plan (now covering 2026–2029) to address special education performance gaps and align with new state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements.
    • Financial Management: The district closed the previous fiscal year having spent 98.81% of its budget. A strategic five-year plan for School Choice funds is in place to cover capital projects and salary deficits.
    • Governance Shift: The Committee voted to endorse a proposed city ordinance regarding Section 40 of the City Charter, seeking to establish a more transparent and communicative process for capital improvement projects between the school department and the city government.

    Facilities and Infrastructure Status

    Gardner High School (GHS)

    • Auditorium Project: The project is entering Phase 3, which involves stage lighting and the sound system. Currently, the system is described as unreliable, requiring specific personnel to navigate “quirky” connections. The Committee approved the use of one-time school choice funds to complete this phase.
    • Elevator Failure: The elevator is “tired and old” and has been unreliable for over a year, causing accessibility issues. A “refresh” (replacing motors and gears) is estimated at $134,000–$150,000, which is significantly cheaper than a full replacement.
    • Kitchen and General Maintenance: Two grease traps and the kitchen hood have been replaced. New water filter systems have been procured and will be installed during the school year.

    Middle School and Elementary Schools

    • Middle School Roof: Completion has been delayed due to a “broken” logistical train; the project is now expected to be finished by the end of September.
    • Middle School Generator: The unit is currently inoperative because the underground fuel tank is contaminated. Repairs are scheduled for the current school year.
    • Dehumidification (Elementary): One of the three “A/N” units (dehumidifiers) failed and has been fixed. Roof repairs at the elementary level are ongoing.

    Financial Oversight and School Choice Funding

    The Finance Subcommittee reported a stable financial position with a focus on offsetting upcoming deficits and funding capital projects through the School Choice revolving account. The district successfully utilized 98.81% of its budget, with the remaining 1.19% redirected to offset school choice expenditures. All revolving accounts are reported as “healthy.” The district anticipates $650,000 in revenue for FY27 but faces $800,000 in budgeted salary expenses. The Committee outlined specific allocations for the School Choice funds:

    Allocation CategoryEstimated Cost
    GHS Auditorium Project$750,000
    GHS Locker Room Project (Shortfall)$440,000
    Early College/Pathways (MWCC)$340,000
    GMS PA System$100,000
    Monty Tech MVP Program$100,000
    Field Maintenance$40,000

    The district’s five-year plan includes a strategy to reduce salary expenses by $80,000 annually to reach a more sustainable balance. Additionally, the district will seek grant funding from the William Rockwell Fund to potentially lower the burden on School Choice funds for the auditorium project.

    Academic Performance and Strategic Planning

    Dr. Goyen and Dr. Pellegrino presented updates on district-wide goals, emphasizing a shift from planning to active implementation. District Improvement Plan (2026–2029) The plan was updated a year early due to a special education determination requiring a “root cause analysis” of underperformance in MCAS scores for students with disabilities.

    • Key Focus Areas: Academic improvements, social-emotional learning (SEL), closing equity gaps for vulnerable populations, and improving school climate/communication.
    • Strategic Shifts: The district is moving from developing Tier 1 (universal) instruction to implementing Tiers 2 and 3 of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
    • Literacy: A rigorous goal has been set for 75% of K–2 students to read at grade level by year-end, as measured by “Dibbles 8.” The district recently switched its reading program to “UFLI” (University of Florida), which has already shown score increases.
    • Instructional Monitoring: The administration will use fidelity checklists to ensure that teachers are implementing specific accommodations for students with disabilities as designed during common planning times.
    • Data-Driven Instruction: Teachers will perform “five-why” root cause analyses on student work to identify why specific learners are struggling and pivot instruction accordingly.

    Governance and City Charter Section 40

    A significant portion of the meeting involved a debate over a proposed amendment to the City Charter Section 40 process, which governs the construction and alteration of school buildings. Vice Chair Rachel Cormier moved to endorse a city council ordinance aimed at improving communication regarding capital projects. The intent is to ensure the School Committee and City Council are informed of project scopes and costs before funds are committed.

    • Current Process Concerns: Critics argued the current process “divorces” the School Committee from capital planning, with decisions often made by facilities staff and the city before the Committee is notified.
    • City Council Perspective: The City Council President noted that the city has struggled to manage large projects. The proposed ordinance would create a database of projects and establish thresholds (e.g., $100,000 or $500,000) that trigger higher levels of review and committee oversight.
    • Superintendent’s Reservation: Dr. Pellegrino expressed concern that if the definition of “alteration” becomes too broad, minor but necessary repairs might be subject to mayoral vetoes or lengthy city council processes, potentially hindering district operations.
    • Outcome: The Committee voted to endorse the proposal to the City Council, with the understanding that language refinements would occur during the Council’s legislative process.

    Administrative Actions and Updates

    • Committee Appointments: Veronica Guay was welcomed as a new member. Rachel Cormier was elected as the alternate for the Finance Subcommittee. Robert Schwarz was elected as the MASC delegate.
    • Calendar Change: The half-day Professional Development (PD) day was moved from September 25 to October 2, 2026, to accommodate a specific instructional coach.
    • Stipend Agreement: The Committee ratified a stipend of $55 per day (for 180 days) for two English Language Learner (ELL) teachers who are teaching extra sections across the middle and high schools.
    • Surplus Property: Various pieces of equipment no longer needed by the district were declared surplus for disposal by the city purchasing agent.
    School Committee 9-14-26 infographic
    CLICK IMAGE for larger view
    Quirky 9-14-26
    CLICK IMAGE for larger view
  • School Committee 1-6-26
    School Committee 1 6 26

    Gardner School Committee Holds First Meeting of the Year

    The Gardner MA School Committee met on January 6, 2026 and reelected Rachael Cormier as Vice Chair. The School Committee also selected other administrative officers and welcomed newly elected member Paul Cormier who won his seat in the November election (Shannon Ward-Leighton had decided not to run again).

    Policies were reviewed as various district guidelines received initial or final approval from the Board. Student representatives provided a comprehensive report on recent academic achievements, holiday events, and athletic milestones within Gardner High School. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    School Committee 1-6-26
  • Kindness – Anne Hurst
    Anne Hurst Kindness Goes a Long Way

    Anne Hurst Reflects on the Necessity of Common Courtesy and Kindness

    During comments at the December 8th School Committee meeting, member Anne Hurst focused on the importance of kindness and appreciation in everyday interactions. Hurst recounted a personal anecdote where a store employee was rudely dismissed by a customer after offering assistance with finding a sewing kit. This incident prompts a reflection on the necessity of common courtesy, particularly during potentially stressful times like the holidays. Anne Hurst argues that people in service roles deserve to be treated with respect and appreciation, highlighting that a simple “thank you” or acknowledging a job well done can have a significant positive impact. Ultimately, Hurst advocates for a greater practice of kindness and consideration toward others. Listen to Anne Hurst’s comments on any device, CLICK PLAY

    Anne Hurst on Kindness 12-8-25
  • School Committee 12-8-25
    School Committee Collage 12 8 25

    Gardner MA School Committee Holds Last Meeting of 2025

    The Gardner School Committee Meeting on December 8, 2025 opened with recognitions for 53 recipients of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and the acceptance of a $2,500 donation from Yen Yen Restaurant for school food programs. Subcommittee reports were heard on finance and policy, where members discuss financial health, out-of-district tuition increases, and the first and second readings of several policies, as well as the removal of redundant policies. There is an extensive School Improvement Plan presentation by Dr. Ann Berado for Gardner Academy that highlights student challenges, such as high rates of trauma and substance use history, and outlines innovative efforts like trauma-informed practices and career readiness programs. The meeting concludes with updates from various coordinators and heartfelt farewells to a departing committee member, Shannon Ward-Leighton who did not seek reelection to the School Committee. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    School Committee 12-8-25

    The infographic illustrates highlights from the Gardner Academy presentation.

    Gardner Academy 12 8 25 infographic
  • GHS – Pathways to Success
    Gardner High Programs Infographic rev
    Auto Draft

    Gardner Public Schools Offering Multiple Pathways to Success

    A student at Gardner High School might be interested in going to college or might be interested in a trade. Either option is available. With arrangements made with Mount Wachusett Community College, students take college courses while still in high school. A number of students are well on their way to graduating with not only a high school diploma, but also an Associates Degree. Those credits can be used to shave off a couple years from a 4 year degree. And for those interested in a high paying trade, the arrangement with Monty Tech comes in to play. Best of all, cost to students is FREE. Gardner Magazine has a “Deep Dive” discussing this. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

    DEEP DIVE – GHS Pathways to Success

    This information is from the School Committee meeting packet for December 8th, CLICK HERE.

    The GHS Early College Academy continues to thrive. 89 students are enrolled in the program.
    Although most of the students in the program take classes on the MWCC campus, many of them return
    to GHS in the afternoons to take additional high school classes. This year there are 16
    juniors who take two college classes at the high school, which are taught by MWCC professors. Those
    students are also enrolled in three afternoon high school classes. Five current seniors are on track to graduate from the Academy with full associate’s degrees. All these classes continue to be free of charge for students. Recruiting efforts for the 2026-2027 school year will be starting in January.

    The Pathways and Gateway to College Programs are undergoing a bit of a change with the creation of
    some new MOUs with other districts. Pathways currently has 41 students enrolled who will be
    receiving GPS diplomas and all those students are on track to earn a full associate’s degree by their
    graduation. Gateway to College currently has 37 students enrolled in the program and those students will be earning a Gardner Academy diploma. Those students are enrolled in college classes that are used towards earning their diplomas while covering all GPS graduation requirements.

    MVP Academy: The MVP Academy, the partnership program with Monty Tech, currently has 15 students enrolled. There are 5 seniors (two in carpentry and three in electrical) and 10 juniors (five in carpentry and five in electrical) in the program. GHS is excited to be adding plumbing to the trades offered through this program for next year. Although GHS is waiting for official notification, all indications from DESE are that the application will be approved and then Gardner High School will be adding 10 additional students in this new trade (five juniors and five seniors) for the 2026-2027 school year. Recruitment for next year will be beginning in January.

  • Rockwell Committee
    Rockwell Committee 11 17 25

    Rockwell Meeting Held – Applications opening December 1st

    Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    Rockwell Committee 11-17-25

    The Gardner William Rockwell Educational Gift Fund Committee meeting was held on November 17, 2025. Attendees reviewed the status of outstanding grants, noting that the vast majority of allocated funds had been spent effectively on items like new school furniture and band equipment. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the Raymond James investment update, which covered the fund’s overall performance, asset allocation (approximately 60-65% equities), and total investment gains for the year, showing strong performance despite market volatility. The trustees then voted to segregate 90% of the year-to-date investment gain*—totaling over $322,000—for the upcoming grant cycle and moved to extend the grant application period for teachers until the end of January to accommodate the holiday break. Applications for the school year open December 1st and will close January 30, 2026

  • Hurst – Swartz on Election
    Anne Hurst and Robert Swartz 11 10 25

    Just under 25% of registered voters cast ballots in the recent Gardner Municipal Election. Here is a pdf of the unofficial results from the City Clerk’s office, CLICK HERE.

    Anne Hurst and Robert Swartz Speak Out About Election

    Listen to their comments on any device, CLICK PLAY.

    Anne Hurst and Robert Swartz at School Committee Meeting November 10, 2025

    School Committee Member Anne Hurst on the Contentious Election: “...It was a little contentious this year, and we really need to, as a society, just really think more about what we’re saying and doing, and really not making the problems worse by spreading false information, or even just passing, social media is so hard because it can make you depressed in, like, five seconds. And, you know, whether you’re for the left or for the right, it doesn’t matter. We don’t need to share it because we don’t need to be divided. And that’s all I have to say.”

    School Committee Member Robert Swartz on Low Voter Turnout: “Relative to the election last Tuesday, I’m a warden for a 3A, and then what I say could be multiplied to all the other precincts throughout the city. I just find it amazing that in 3A there are 1,706 registered voters, and there is only 362 people that voted. I know some of the attitudes are, it’s not important. Every election, whether it be local, state, or federal, is important. It’s essential that we exercise our privilege to vote, or otherwise that privilege will be taken away if we vote for the wrong person. Sorry to get on the soapbox, but I thought it was important.” And then Anne Hurst stated: “I already did that, so…”

  • School Committee 11-10-25
    School Committee Collage 11 10 25

    Gardner School Committee Honors High School Nurses, Votes to Dispose of Surplus Kitchen Equipment, and Discusses MCAS Scores

    At the meeting of November 10, 2025, Gardner Superintendent of Schools Mark Pellegrino recognized two high school nurses for their life-saving response during an emergency. In October, Bethany Harunkiewicz, RN and Ben Blake, LPN administered CPR and used an AED to save the life of a staff member who had gone in to ventricular fibrillation, a life threatening heart rhythm. FYI: GPS nurses renew their CPR/AED certification through the American Heart Association every 2 years. And as far as with students, the health offices are busy as shown in the graphic. GES is shown at left. GMS and GHS are shown below. Listen to the entire meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.

    Gardner MA School Committee 11-10-25

    Here is the complete packet for the November 10, 2025 Gardner MA School Committee meeting, CLICK HERE.

    gms and ghs health office data
    School Committee 11-10-25

    Key actions included the approval of the consent agenda and authorizing the sale of surplus kitchen equipment including pizza ovens, convection ovens, a 60 gallon steam jacketed kettle, a range, and an air purifier – following a reports from the facilities subcommittee by Robert Swartz.

    Dr. Pellegrino gave a presentation regarding MCAS Trends. English and Math were down slightly. Science was up. Further details are in the packet, CLICK HERE

    Significant discussion focused on an update regarding MCAS standardized test results, noting that while the district generally aligns with the state in English and math (despite a slight dip due to new curriculum implementation), it saw an increase in science scores. The superintendent outlined several initiatives to improve academic outcomes, particularly for students with disabilities and English language learners, through changes to instructional practices and the implementation of robust common planning time. The meeting included subcommittee reports on finance and policy, a vote on the second reading of several policies, and closing comments from committee members, including congratulations on recent elections and updates on city repairs.

  • GHS Band 10-21-25
    GHS BAnd Rehearsal 10 21 25

    School Committee Chair Nicholson and Vice Chair Cormier Observe GHS Marching Band Practice

    The Gardner High School Marching Band held an evening rehearsal on October 21, 2025 and Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson and Vice Chair of the School Committee Rachael Cormier were on hand to view the progress the band has made. The GHS Marching Band is on its way to the State Finals this weekend.

    Mayor Nicholson stated, “Congratulations to the Gardner High School Wildcat Marching Band on a great last night rehearsal of the season! They have certainly come a long way from where they started at Band Camp to now! School Committee Vice Chair Rachel Cormier and I got a selfie with all of the Band’s seniors at the end! At the Mayor of the City and the Chair of its School Committee, I couldn’t be prouder of these students. Best of luck at your state finals competition this weekend!“