Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School
Minutes
Finance Committee Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday March 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Location
On-Line Only:
Google Meeting ID
meet.google.com/zkg-vctu-ikb
Phone Numbers
(US) +1 240-532-3788
PIN: 783 984 031#
Committee Members Present
James Montemayor (remote), Keith Black (remote), Neil Hede (remote), Thomas Roy (remote)
Committee Members Absent
Mindi Winter
Guests Present
Brent Nielsen (remote), Marcy Conner (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| James Montemayor |
Aye
|
| Keith Black |
Aye
|
| Neil Hede |
Aye
|
| Mindi Winter |
Absent
|
| Thomas Roy |
Aye
|
II. Finance
A.
FY26 Capital Budget
PVPA's lease with Marcotte Ford for a 2021 Ford F250 w/cap & plow has ended. We can purchase a truck or enter into another lease. Due to estimated cost of $34,500, we will attempt to obtain three quotes as required by procurement laws. The Five Year Reserves History was provided as a decision making tool.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Neil Hede |
Aye
|
| Keith Black |
Aye
|
| James Montemayor |
Aye
|
| Thomas Roy |
Aye
|
| Mindi Winter |
Absent
|
B.
FY27 Capital Budget
The work to be done includes demolition, electrical, flooring, paint and furnishings. Room 201 is also included. Will need to go through the proper procurement process with work to start as soon as school year ends. Will improve instructional spaces for both music and theater classes.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Keith Black |
Aye
|
| Thomas Roy |
Aye
|
| James Montemayor |
Aye
|
| Mindi Winter |
Absent
|
| Neil Hede |
Aye
|
C.
FY27 Salary Budget
D.
FY27 Tuition Review
The FY27 Tuition Budget Info 3-3-26 document was provided. This tool takes a look at possible scenarios for budgeting tuition; it currently reflects Q2 data from DESE and will require further discussion based on Q3 projections.
Enrollment is currently at 399 - the numbers dipped down a few in the fall (395) and have come back up. The lottery for next year has already been held and the initial decision deadline is next week. There remains a healthy wait list in grades 7 through 9 but not as robust for grade 10. We will most likely need to have several lotteries next year.
Overall, news across the state varies. The Governor's proposed budget will fully fund the final year of the Student Opportunity Act (SOA), increase facilities funding by $100 per pupil, add 6.45% to regional transportation funding and continue the investment into universal free school meals, among other items. These items are all still subject to change as the budget process continues. The basis for the Governor's budget will also have a direct impact on tuition for PVPA:
1. Foundation rates are embedded - this is non-binding
2. FY26 Q2 Above Foundation Rates - based on December 2025 numbers
3. Enrollment projections are from October 2025 - this will be updated throughout the process for the March 1 reporting deadline.
Federal funding - news that is being shared is to level fund for FY27 entitlement grants (ESSA Title I, IIA and IV).
On another note - PVPA's 30th Anniversary Gala fundraiser will be held on April 12th at Wycoff Country Club. We are hopeful that this will turn into an annual fundraising event to supplement tuition revenue.
III. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
- FY 26 Capital Budget - Propsed Amendment 3-3-26.pdf
- Reserves - Five Yr History 3-3-26.pdf
- FY27 Capital Budget.pdf
- FY27 Staffing FTE 3-3-26.pdf
- FY27 Tution Budget Info 3-3-26.pdf
Committee was present with the FY26 vs FY27 staffing FTEs. For the FY27 budget we are not proposing any increases in FTEs. We are currently bargaining with the UAW for the next three year contract - the April meeting will include an executive session to discuss bargaining strategy and cost projections so the salary portion of the budget can be decided.