Athol Royalston School Committee Approves School Choice Seats, Accepts Donations

ATHOL — May 20, 2026 — Athol Royalston School Committee advances strategic planning as current five-year plan nears June 30 expiration. The committee held a structured workshop led by Focus Schools consultant Carrie Purcell, who presented five emerging strategic pillars drawn from listening sessions and surveys across all district buildings, ranging from safe and inclusive schools to coherent systems and leadership. Committee member Mitch Groski participated remotely via video conference while recovering from a kidney transplant, with roll-call votes taken throughout to include his voice. The board also approved school choice seats for 2026-27, accepted a $1,410 donation from Hometown Bank's Funding the Future program, and heard from Superintendent Matthew Pollock that the district is among approximately 55 statewide recognized for reducing chronic absenteeism by more than five percentage points this year. Finance Director Nancy reported roughly $1 million in unencumbered fiscal year 2026 funds, with the balance expected to move into E&D after special education tuition prepayments are applied.