By Janet Stoica

Regional School Superintendent Steven Lamarche’s recent report to the Regional School Committee included an update on the search for a new Director of Finance and Operations. In his report, Mr. Lamarche stated that there were two finalists who would be presented to the School Committee at their April 9 meeting. 

The Dudley-Charlton Education Foundation “Heroes Among Us” reception was to be held on April 6 at Southbridge’s Wellsworth Hotel. This year’s honorees include: Loretta Andre, Leo Biron, Scott Cushing, Emily Dabrowski, Adrienne Daniels, Jennifer Desto, Tammy Ducharme, John Grondalski, Elizabeth Hurley, and Kim Lundquist. The Heroes are honored for their dedication to students and staff.

Tenth grader, Lyllian Brazen, is the recipient of the Youth Art Month Award which is a celebration of the visual arts. Her design will be spotlighted in their virtual exhibit and she also received a monetary award. 

School Committee fiscal year budget priorities were also presented and included maintaining existing staff size and programs without reductions, reviewing cost savings in the areas of specialized transportation rather than contracted service models, capital plan architectural review of all school facilities, and solar power options for all district schools. Additionally, supporting budget increases by reducing annual usage of excess and deficiency support to $500,000 annually and increasing contingency line items to match usage to budget. They also seek to reduce reliance on school choice by 20 percent ($180,000).