Success of Gardner Public Schools Highlight of February School Committee Meeting
The Gardner School Committee met on February 9, 2026. While Massachusetts may be tops in the nation as far as education, Gardner Public Schools shines in many areas. Listen to the entire meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
The Gardner School Committee meeting held on February 9, 2026, centered on progress reports for School Improvement Plans (SIP) across the district’s elementary, middle, and high schools. While leadership reported significant successes in implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and achieving social-emotional learning (SEL) goals, these achievements are contrasted by a looming fiscal crisis. Superintendent Dr. Pelegrino warned of a “very tough” budget year, driven by a projected $2 million to $2.5 million deficit, rising health insurance premiums, and an increase in high-needs special education enrollments. Despite these financial headwinds, the district remains focused on literacy initiatives, career-readiness programs, and improving school climate through data-driven interventions.
Video explains why Gardner Public Schools have been so successful at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels.
Quotes
“The students can only learn if they’re here.” — Earl Martin, Elementary Principal, on the importance of the 94.1% attendance rate.
“I think I might be the only person that’s ever said that ever… but we’re antsy to get MCAS cooking and seeing if what we’re doing is working.” — Mike Bartkus, High School Principal.
“There’s definitely going to be cuts to the budget this year and that’s very concerning to me… I can’t see coming out of this on the other end unless we have some kind of significant increase somewhere.” — Dr. Pelegrino, Superintendent.