Congratulations to the Lowell School Department on receiving $1 million in Commonwealth Preschool grants, the third influx of money to the school system from the state in August.

Earlier this month, LPS received a $549,500 literacy grant and another $798,000 literacy grant, accounting for nearly $2.4-million dollars in additional state funding.

Grants are NOT part of the regular budget and have absolutely ZERO / NOTHING to do with the City of Lowell’s NET School spending requirement.

School Finance more Complex than most know!

MA State law has a very complex formula it uses to determine how much a city MUST contribute towards public education in their community and have items that they can “write off” or “Charge” to that requirement. I’d give you the breakdown, but I don’t have the space to really explain it.

One part of those charges involve an agreement between the City and School Department called Maintenance of Effort (MOE). When I served on the school committee, I was told that the MOE was done in 2007 and not updated since. The city has apparently been using a 2011 version, which is posted and can be found here; https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/32415?fileID=81075

The biggest differences in the two is the 2011 version, which allows the city to charge for Crossing Guards and Public Safety Inspections. The discussion over money has more to do with the MOE and the cash contribution from the city and Grants are NOT and should not be in that discussion.

Dracut Drama: In the Town of Dracut, the Facebook/Cable show What’s Happening Dracut has requested and received, through a Freedom of Information request, over 50 pages of documents dealing with the school department and Dracut Town Government.

It seems their sights are set on a well-respected, dedicated, retired School Manager who was asked to come back and continue in that role. That’s not uncommon but certain waivers must be applied for.

DESE has adopted regulation 603 CMR 7.14(13)(b), allowing the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education to deem that a district has a “critical shortage” upon the request of a superintendent and demonstration that the district has made a good-faith effort to hire non-retirees and has been unable to find them.

That last statement may be key.

I’m not sure the job was ever posted, or any effort was made to find a non-retiree (I’m sure our friend John Leahy would have and will probably apply if the position gets posted, as he now has experience) It is my understanding that you cannot volunteer your time working that job after you max out the salary limit.

WHD gives the impression that he worked over the hours / salary allowed, that it has put the Town in trouble with the retirement board, and infer they have proof of that. They also shared some emails between the new Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools that show some tension between the two.

Knowing What’s Happening Dracut, I have no doubt there is much more to come on this issue and other school related issues. Combined with the budget issues and non-compliance of MBTA Zoning, Dracut’s financial outlook isn’t very bright. A rift between the School and Town side of Government will not help the town.

Here is a link providing an understanding of retirement / rehiring rules for Schools: Working after retirement – MTRS

How Bad do you want that job? It was announced this week that there are 4 finalists to become the new Billerica Town Manager.

That position is like volunteering to be the Captain of the Titanic. You know it’s going to end badly, but you get to add the title to your resume!

Former Manager John Curran departed in April 2024, replaced by his Assistant Manager Clancy Main, who left in May of this year after less than a year in the permanent role.

Main appointed Robert Maynard Assistant Town Manager in March of 2025, but he just announced he was leaving to take the same position in Stow.

You have a select board that is in chaos with as much infighting as there exists in the U.S. Congress. They voted 3-2 earlier this month to censure a fellow board member, who many in Billerica blame for Main leaving. The town is split on how to reconstruct and improve Billerica Center, and the town lost a tax fight with a beloved farmer.

Good Luck to whoever takes that job!

Random Lowell Political Thoughts: With the Frontrunner City now official and the LINC project getting underway, I wonder if Mayor Rourke would consider another term?

The Mayor and I haven’t always agreed on things (especially when it comes to school issues), but I think he has been a great Ambassador for the City, runs the meetings well and would keep continuity in government.

Eileen Donoghue served back-to-back terms as Mayor in 1998 and 2000.

Best Wishes to School Committee member Eileen Del Rossi. I’m told she is dealing with multiple personal issues. Here’s hoping she gets the help and assistance she requires, not only for herself, but her son. Her SC role is secondary to her role as a mom and provider and she needs positive thoughts and prayers, not negative comments.

Watched a little of the Belvidere Neighborhood Association’s Candidate Forum on LTC the other night.

I thought Corey Belanger and Belinda Juran did the best. I was a little surprised Erin Gendron seemed a bit nervous, and someone needed to tell Dan Finn NOT to hold the microphone by the part you speak into. His comments over the air seemed muffled.

Watched their Inside Lowell debate that was recorded Thursday Night, and it was not widely different.

Some of the candidates seemed a little more comfortable and confident in their responses, while some still seemed a little nervous. No candidate blew it or damaged their chances nor did anyone steal the show.

(BTW- Peter Richards and “technically” Karen Cirillo both were on the City Council from Centralville after Bernie Lemoine)

The host, at times, seemed a little more kerfuffled than the candidates!