A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing sustainability and energy efficiency, particularly the adoption of non-fossil fuel heating and cooling systems. A participant emphasized the unsustainability of continuing with carbon-based systems, referencing guidance from the sustainability committee and preliminary design work that favors non-carbon options. They highlighted the financial impact on residents. Advocating for solar energy, they proposed a solar roof to power the system, which would provide better value to the town. The conversation included the potential for battery backup systems paired with solar energy, allowing for energy storage during peak sunlight hours for later use.

Ground source heat pumps were also discussed as an efficient and established technology in the community. The participant urged the committee to assess the geological conditions necessary for their installation and expressed concern about the community’s responsibility to pursue fully electric buildings, potentially funded by these geothermal systems. The Select Board acknowledged the participant’s advocacy, confirming they would continue to investigate geothermal options, working with a geothermal well driller to gather logistical information and proposals for test wells. The timeline for collecting the necessary data was estimated to be 30 to 60 days.

The meeting also addressed the needs of centralized pre-kindergarten (pre-k) education in relation to a proposed design, referred to as design B1. It was noted that design B1 would allow all twelve pre-k classrooms to be situated on one level. Services such as speech therapy and occupational therapy would be more accessible to students, particularly those with specific medical needs. The design aimed to foster a sense of community among students and staff while allowing flexibility for integration opportunities.

The capacity of the proposed design to meet pre-k demand was also scrutinized. Currently, approximately 60 students are on the waitlist for the following year, with around 180 students enrolled across ten classrooms. The new design would include two additional classrooms but was anticipated to still leave a waitlist, as the number of classrooms was limited to keep costs manageable. The increasing demand for special education services among younger students was discussed, highlighting the need to comply with regulatory requirements for providing those services. It was concluded that while the structure could meet certain requirements, a waitlist would likely remain for the foreseeable future due to sustained demand.

School safety measures in response to potential active shooter situations were another topic. Human behavior, like propping doors open or leaving them unlocked, was identified as complicating safety efforts. Plans for redesigning school entrances were mentioned, focusing on creating spaces where staff can monitor visitors effectively.

There was an acknowledgment of the need for a security meeting involving a security consultant and local police to review and refine these strategies. Insights from recent school visits noted the incorporation of advanced technology in newer buildings, such as systems allowing staff to lock down certain areas with the push of a button. The conversation also included the integration of solar energy solutions in school infrastructure. A representative from the Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) participated in discussions regarding strategies for solar arrays at the Parker School, including utility ownership and power purchase agreements. Making roofs solar-ready was emphasized, although this aspect may not be immediately addressed in the current phase of the project. Parking lot solar canopies were also mentioned for their dual purpose of providing shade and protection while contributing to energy efficiency.

Additionally, concerns about water use and quality were raised, particularly regarding high demand from students. While solar hot water systems had not been considered, high-efficiency fixtures would be implemented. The sustainability working group would continue to guide discussions on water conservation, with the consensus being that the immediate focus should be on decarbonization efforts rather than intense water management strategies, given the region’s wet climate.

Traffic safety was another significant topic, with a resident inquiring about potential improvements, specifically regarding a proposed stop sign at the intersection of Charles Street and Wakefield Street. A traffic and site planning meeting was noted to take place in the coming months to further explore this issue. Recommendations for off-site improvements had been made, and the local police department was monitoring traffic conditions in the area.

Lastly, concerns about the future of modular classrooms during construction were discussed. It was confirmed that the modular units would remain in place during the building of the new structure but would be addressed after the old building’s demolition. The future use of these modular units, including potential relocation to other schools, was uncertain, with estimates suggesting a lifespan of around 20 years.