The meeting began with an examination of possible amendments to a regional agreement that had governed Lakeville and Freetown for 14 years. Trevor Matthews introduced the need to review the agreement. He emphasized collaboration with the school committee, promoting a simple and straightforward amendment process.

One board member recalled previous challenges in obtaining timely financial information from the school district. They proposed establishing monthly communication with the school committee to receive budget updates. Additionally, the structure of the superintendent’s hiring committee was considered, with legal and transparency concerns prompting calls for more town representative involvement in the process.

The conversation extended to the necessity of routine audits as a preventive measure against financial discrepancies. A proposal was made for regular audits every decade, with automatic triggers for further audits when significant irregularities occur. This approach aimed to ensure robust financial oversight, removing political considerations from the audit process.

Attention then shifted to Asit and Long Ponds, where increased boat ramp activity during the summer months has led to overcrowding and related issues. Chief Rose reported a rise in incidents at the boat ramp, prompting additional officer assignments and engagement with environmental police for enforcement. Concerns about the introduction of invasive species like milfoil were raised, with discussions on a potential wash station at the boat ramp. However, logistical challenges and lack of state financial support hindered progress. Instead, local resident involvement was suggested as a key strategy for monitoring boat traffic and preventing invasive species.

The complexities of managing the boat ramp and parking area, owned by the Commonwealth but located within Freetown, were acknowledged. Efforts to improve the boat ramp’s condition were noted, yet deterioration remains a challenge. The limitations on parking fee revenue, which can only cover operational costs, complicate funding for maintenance. Illegal parking and fee evasion by some users were also discussed, with suggestions for enhanced collaboration between Lakeville and Freetown to address these issues.

In addition to infrastructure concerns, the board discussed collaborative safety measures for schools, including active shooter training for local police and fire departments. The session highlighted the need for consistent and proactive training, despite budget constraints. Joint training exercises involving police, fire departments, and school staff were debated, with a consensus on the importance of repetition and familiarity with school layouts for effective emergency response.

The role of School Resource Officers (SROs) was also a focal point, with discussions on the potential for a full-time SRO in Lakeville’s schools. Financial implications and balancing patrol resources were key considerations, as the current arrangement involves shared responsibilities across multiple schools. Community members expressed appreciation for the SRO’s visibility and interactions with students. The integration of video surveillance systems was discussed as an additional security measure, with ongoing evaluations for updates.

Lastly, the meeting addressed the possibility of a recall provision for elected officials within the regional school district. Concerns about the inability to remove officials promptly were voiced, prompting discussions on collaborating with Town Council to draft a town meeting warrant article for special legislation. Legal complexities were acknowledged, with plans to involve state representatives early in the process to ensure precise language and facilitate legislative passage.