Deliberation on the project’s site and design took center stage as the committee weighed various scenarios, including additions, renovations, and new construction options. The subcommittee’s evaluations pointed towards a new construction on the Shaker Lane site as the most favorable, with the addition of four new classrooms to accommodate growing student numbers. However, the existing use of the fields by high school students and for elementary school recess raised questions about space and traffic congestion. Moreover, the financial implications of demolishing the old building, potentially exceeding a million dollars, were a concern.

The committee’s discussions were grounded in the details of cost estimation for the proposed designs. Accurate cost estimates are important for informed decision-making, and the committee planned to obtain these by the end of July, with subsequent estimates before the town meeting and town vote. The importance of using current market information and considering the square footage of the options in the cost estimation process was highlighted.

Notably, the subcommittee had previously gathered information on the community’s values and priorities through a survey with 370 responses. The survey’s findings emphasized the importance of educational spaces, safety and security, and the preservation of community values and local history. Specific attention was given to the library and media center, indoor and outdoor play areas, and bullying prevention measures.

There was a consensus on the draft, with the suggestion to define “community resource” more specifically to ensure the school becomes an accessible asset for the town. The preferred methods of communication, such as email and Facebook, were acknowledged as vital for community outreach, with plans to attend school open houses and community events to disseminate information about the project.

The project timeline was another focal point, with the committee making adjustments to align with the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) 12-week review period. This affected the submission and approval of the Preferred Schematic Report (PSR). The committee underscored the necessity of meeting various milestones and securing approvals to progress with the project.

Looking ahead, the committee outlined a schedule that would see the construction begin around the end of September 2026, targeting completion in January 2029. The committee also acknowledged the need for approval from the town in the upcoming October town meeting and the importance of promoting the project to the community. A conversation was scheduled for the day following the meeting to discuss further details about the project, including a Title 5 inspection for the Shaker Lane septic field.