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NORTH ATTLEBORO - The fate of the town's Russian masterpiece, whether to spend almost $900,000 to provide raises for the school district's teachers and whether the town should reopen Allen Avenue East to motorists will be among the issues discussed at Monday's town meeting.

The semi-annual town meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at North Attleboro Middle School. Although only Representative Town Meeting members can vote on the issues, any resident is welcome to attend and speak.

Town meeting is expected to spill over into a second session on Wednesday.

One of the most closely watched issues is whether RTM members will recommend that the town sell its $1.2 million painting, called "Afghans." The painting was donated to the town in 1951 by W. Charles Thompson, when he hung it on the wall of what is now the Community School.

The school committee wants to sell the painting and put the proceeds in a trust fund that would be used for arts appreciation. Selectmen, who have the final say, have been opposed to selling it. The donor's family also is opposed to the sale of the painting, which is currently being stored at Sotheby's auction house in New York City.

In addition, the state Attorney General's Office has said it will file for a court injunction if the town attempts to sell the painting without first obtaining approval in court.

The RTM will offer a recommendation on the painting's fate only. The final decision will still rest with selectmen.

MORE ON NORTH TOWN MEETING: Town meeting voters on Monday night also will decide whether to approve money for pay raises. PAGE A8