Retired Southwick-Tolland Regional School District Business Manager Paul Petit has agreed to accept a part-time position as school treasurer during last night’s school committee meeting. (File photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee held its first meeting yesterday afternoon as a newly formed committee.
Since Granville joined the district last fall, a transitional committee has met. Yesterday, the committee re-organized and elected James Vincent chairman, Jeffrey Houle vice chairman, and William Stevenson secretary.
One of the first actions taken by the group was to approve hiring retired business manager Paul Petit to the position of school treasurer.
Superintendent Dr. John Barry said this is not an unusual move.
“Steve (Presnal, current business manager) did some homework on how new regional school districts do this and they often use retired business managers,” said Barry, adding that it is a stipend position that pays $5,500 per year. Petit would not be a regular district employee.
Presnal said Petit would perform a variety of financial tasks.
“He will sign checks, bonds, and notes,” he said.
Barry said besides Petit’s background in the district, his location is a plus.
“He lives here, so he can be here on short notice,” said Barry.
During the meeting, Presnal updated the committee on concerns about a change in health benefits offered to district staff. In the spring, employees were given just one option for health coverage, which included a deductible. A few dozen employees implored the committee to reconsider and continue offering the “Value Plus” benefits package they have had previously.
After several meetings, said Presnal, the option was being negotiated and will be available as of this October.
“Open enrollment will take place in August and September,” he said. “I am in the process of drafting a letter to employees.”
Committee member Jean McGivney- Burelle asked if staff was aware of the second option.
“Yes, I think it has filtered out to most employees,” Presnal said.
Houle made a request to see data on the options once open enrollment is over.
