COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, Janury 15, 2021 • 13
COMMUNITY | Schools
Northborough/Southborough Schools to expand COVID-19 testing to students By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH SOUTHBOROUGH – The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough Superintendent Greg Martineau and District Wellness Coordinator Mary Ellen Duggan, MEd, BSN, RN discussed future COVID-19 testing at the Jan. 6 Northborough School Committee meeting. The deadline to use the federal CARES Act funding issued to towns was extended from Dec. 30 through June. Martineau will continue to partner with the towns to continue weekly staff testing and to expand it to all students. There are restrictions on how the CARES Act funding can be expended, but testing is an accepted option. “We are close to making a decision which is exciting,” said Martineau. “This is another part of our mitigation
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efforts. Testing was always one of those layers we wanted to add.” “At one point we thought we were going to have to fundraise to implement this testing,” said Martineau. “The great news is that is no longer an obstacle.” The extended time to expend those funds gives the
District peace of mind both on a financial side and health side. “It would be great to have that one added layer of protection and security to know that you have the students tested and the staff screened,” said Duggan. Details will be shared with families in the upcoming weeks.
Shrewsbury elementary school redistricting options Redistricting | from page 12
In addition to student displacement, other considerations included balancing reduced lunch students across the district, maintaining “neighborhood schools,” walkability and commute time. School Committee member Dale Magee remarked that it was more important for students to be placed in schools that recognize their needs. Collins provided the follow-
ing key dates: Wednesday, Jan. 20 - Redistricting Committee will present final recommendation to School Committee Wednesday, Jan. 27 - School Committee will hold a public hearing, Wednesday, Feb. 10 - School Committee will vote on the final plan To view the complete presentation, visit https://schools. shrewsburyma.gov/sc/bealschool-project-redistricting.
Westborough School Committee discusses lighting at high school By Susan Gonsalves, Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH – Westborough School Committee Chair Kristen Vincent said that the high school track is a valuable community resource. During the committee’s Jan. 6 meeting, Vincent said that she was addressing concerns expressed on social media about lighting at that facility. She explained that the lights are typically on after school during the winter for practices. She cited members of the track and ski teams as examples of people who use it. The district also anticipates running sports in February and March. Vincent said the lights on the main field turn off at 5:45 p.m. with two remaining on until 8 p.m. Community members can and do use the track for jogging, walking and other exercise. “It’s a safe place to work out and easy to see where you are walking,” Vincent said. The lights are turned off if the track is unusable because of snow and unsafe conditions. Superintendent Amber Bock noted that she was recently at the track at around 7 p.m. and five people were working out at the time. “It’s a site that is gaining more use,” she said. The superintendent said that it costs $150 per month for the LED lights and that gate fees generally offset those costs. When the track was being renovated, she added, a lot of community members expressed interest in having access to it. “(We) have a close relationship with our neighbors and try to meet the needs of the broader community,” Bock said.
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