A primary focus of the meeting was the presentation on the Kill School building project, a significant undertaking in the town of Reading. The project manager from Lavali Brensinger Architects provided an update, detailing the collaboration with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and the project’s alignment with state funding mechanisms. The feasibility study phase, public involvement through community meetings, and the educational visioning process were outlined. The team also presented their evaluations of the existing building and site conditions, including a traffic survey, sustainability objectives, and the creation of design alternatives. Board members inquired about the timing of a separate election for the project, traffic implications, cost estimates, and the coordination with various town committees to address potential infrastructure needs.

The meeting moved on to recognize the value of the town’s EMS system, with board members sharing personal experiences and highlighting the high care level provided by EMS teams. This was in conjunction with the proclamation of EMS week, which underlines the critical role of emergency medical services in the community.

Another moment in the meeting was the reading of a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month.

The appointment of new members to town committees also took center stage. The board conducted interviews for the CPA Community Preservation Act study committee. Multiple residents expressed interest in the committee, with one new resident, Elanor. The board noted the importance of diverse perspectives and community engagement in the decision-making process for CPA-related issues.

The Recreation Committee also saw a new member selected after the board deliberated on candidates.

The Retirement Board’s composition was subject to debate, with calls for broader representation and diversity, particularly for non-union retirees. After deliberation, a motion was passed to appoint Richard Abade to the Retirement Board.

Addressing the involvement in local events, the board decided to sponsor a banner for the upcoming Friends and Family Day event. This decision was made after considering the effectiveness of previous participation and the potential benefits of increased visibility through sponsorship.

The board also discussed the possibility of hosting a retreat to review select board policies and code of ethics. Furthermore, discussions included the potential rescheduling of the annual election to late April or early May and its impact on town meetings. The board contemplated an extension of the Permanent Building Committee’s timeline and flagged the topic of a potential extension of recall as a placeholder for future discussion.

Public engagement and appreciation for community service were evident throughout the meeting. The recognition of two Eagle Scouts, Nicholas Bellos and Jeff Longs, by scout master Ian Nelson, accentuated the importance of civic responsibility and education. Bellos was honored for creating little libraries for an English as a second language program, and Longs for overseeing the removal and replacement of a trail bridge.