The meeting began with a focus on the high school’s infrastructure, specifically the need to upgrade outdated network systems. One participant highlighted ongoing failures in the current technology, which dates back to the late ’90s and early 2000s, emphasizing the need for immediate upgrades to ensure school operations run smoothly. “I’m getting failures every day,” was noted as an expression of frustration over the school’s reliance on antiquated equipment. It was proposed that a comprehensive upgrade across all schools within the district might be more effective, although a timeline extending from middle school upgrades in 2026 to high school in 2027 was also suggested.

Attention then turned to the door access systems at the high school, which are frequently malfunctioning and pose safety concerns. A participant reported issues with the buttons. The aging technology, installed over a decade ago, has become a priority in the planning discussions, rising to the second spot on the list of urgent upgrades. The broader conversation about the district’s 10-year capital plan acknowledged the fluidity in project prioritization, with a focus on addressing immediate needs to avoid future complications.

In parallel, the discussion shifted to student enrollment projections, which revealed significant insights into the district’s future needs. An analysis of geocoded student residential addresses showed a concentration of students in the northwest part of the district, minimizing major transportation impacts due to the centrality of schools like the high school and middle school. The board explored the concept of target class sizes, with a low-end target of 18 students for kindergarten and first grade, and a high-end target suggesting 22 students for these grades. The implications of these targets on classroom space were discussed, pointing to the necessity for additional classrooms if lower target sizes are maintained.

The conversation highlighted the balance between accommodating new students and maintaining optimal class sizes, especially in relation to special education needs. The analysis suggested that the district might require 12 to 16 additional classrooms, depending on the target class sizes chosen. While higher class sizes reduce the need for more classrooms, they also limit flexibility in managing unexpected enrollment increases.

The meeting also touched on the middle school roof project, a topic that garnered renewed attention due to its financial implications. Initial restoration costs were estimated at around $9 million, but it was proposed that a full replacement could be achieved for approximately $9.2 million. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) would reimburse 55.63% of the cost, potentially reducing the town’s burden to under $4 million. Participants emphasized the importance of transparency in communicating these financial aspects to the public.

As the meeting progressed, discussions on budget planning for the upcoming fiscal year revealed the need for a robust network to support various school systems, including security cameras and heating systems. A proposal for technology upgrades, specifically Wi-Fi and switches, was mentioned, with an estimated cost of $175,000 for previous projects. Federal funding programs are expected to cover 50% of these expenses, based on the socioeconomic status of the district’s students.

The board also reviewed the current state of facilities and enrollment, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of class size policy. The potential impacts of reconfiguring school grades and the logistics of transportation were acknowledged as critical factors in planning. The meeting concluded with a commitment to return in January with more information and potential scenarios for grade configuration.