Cheshire Selectmen Review McCann, Hoosac Valley Budgets

CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee reviewed the budgets of the Hoosac Valley Regional and Northern Berkshire Regional Vocational school districts in a joint meeting on Tuesday. 

Hoosac Valley Regional School District presented its $20,625,439 budget earlier this month, with the School Committee approving it on Monday. Cheshire's total assessment to the district is $1,943,366, a $152,822 increase over the fiscal year. 

Superintendent Aaron Dean said the district's inconsistent enrollment numbers are one of its most significant issues. 

"I hope that it stabilizes, but we're going to have to really keep a close eye on these numbers over the years and make some hard decisions," he said. 

Dean told the board this year's budget allows the district to continue its core operations despite minimal gains in state funding. He said enrollment and other factors have led to smaller increases in state funding year-over-year compared to some districts. 

"I'm pretty confident in the number that we have, that we can make it work at this point in time," he said. "I think we've been really thoughtful and responsible in terms of what the communities can afford, and we're really looking to make sure we're building a core budget that's going to suit us long term."

Dean thanked the town for the monetary contributions it makes to the school district.

"These communities have supported this district financially over the years. You provide above the minimum [contribution]. I think that's important, and I think that shows the investment that you make, so thank you for that," he said. 

Unrelated to the district's budget, the board went into executive session to discuss Hoosac Valley's lease of the former Cheshire Elementary School for office space. Hoosac Valley has recently considered moving its offices to Adams. 

McCann Technical's School Committee presented and approved its budget in February. Superintendent James Brosnan emphasized to the board the significant increase in state Chapter 70 funding the vocational school district received this year. 

"One of the things that came into being is the Student Opportunity Act, which is in its second year. So that's increasing some levels that the Legislature's put into the formula to provide more state funds. So that helps the Chapter 70 number," he said. 

In other business, the board approved three one-day liquor license requests from the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club for April 2, April 23 and April 30. 

The board also approved a field use request for Berkshire County Youth Lacrosse.

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