The meeting commenced with the revelation that Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Burnham will be stepping down from her role. The committee underscored the importance of a seamless transition, with a preference for considering internal candidates who are familiar with the district’s culture and operations. It was expressed that Lunenburg is “extraordinarily rich” in qualified personnel, which could facilitate a smooth transition. However, there was also a consensus on the necessity of gauging internal interest before possibly conducting a broader search. To expedite the process, a subcommittee was formed to manage the search, with Carol Archambault and Brian Lehtinen appointed due to their experience in previous searches.

The financial challenges faced by the district were a focal point of discussion, particularly the need to restructure athletic fees to sustain existing programs. The committee reviewed a proposed restructuring of fees, prompted by the increasing costs associated with athletics such as coaching salaries, transportation, and facility maintenance. The current athletic budget of approximately $512,000 could not be supported by the existing fee structure, which generated about $133,000 in revenue. The proposed changes included setting fees at $325 per season for the first student, with discounts for siblings and middle school students, while maintaining a family cap of $1,500.

The committee engaged in a discussion about the necessity of restructuring fees, considering both budgetary constraints and the financial impact on families. It was noted that fees in neighboring towns ranged from $325 to $600, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that would fund the programs without discouraging participation. The committee emphasized transparency and the need to involve parents in these discussions, possibly through an Athletic Advisory Board meeting, to ensure community trust and support.

In addition to budgetary concerns, the committee examined the design plans for the Lunenburg Municipal Building. An architect had presented revised plans, and feedback from department heads raised concerns about the adequacy of space for various offices, particularly the Ace Program. The proposed dimensions for the Ace Program’s office were deemed insufficient, prompting fears of potential issues during audits by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The committee highlighted the historical precedent of placing special needs programs in less desirable areas and emphasized the importance of equitable space allocations.

Security and accessibility of the proposed building layout were also points of concern. The committee discussed the need for additional doors to enhance security, particularly given the proximity to students.

The meeting also addressed ongoing safety and capital projects at Turkey Hill, including a fire alarm upgrade and door replacements. The fire alarm project faced increased costs due to new code requirements, with the lowest bid at $354,990. Funding challenges were mitigated by securing approximately $75,000 in ARPA funding. Bids for door replacements and security systems totaled $477,000, with plans to prioritize the most critical doors for replacement, seeking additional funding through the Massachusetts School Building Authority for future renovations.

Beyond infrastructure and budgetary issues, the committee discussed the $115,000 scholarship donation made by alumnus George Wer, honoring former teacher Vincent Joseph. The donation aims to support athletes pursuing higher education, underscoring Joseph’s impactful role as an advisor and teacher. The committee recognized the broader implications of this initiative in providing transformative opportunities for students.

The meeting concluded with discussions on cell phone policies in schools, highlighting concerns about their impact on the learning environment and student mental health. There was a recognition of the need for policies that balance rules with classroom dynamics, as well as a call for further dialogue involving school administrators and state officials to ensure practical and beneficial policy development.