The future of the Pleasant Street Center was a central focus of the meeting. Jane Wellman and Katie Gabriella presented on the building’s history, current status, and potential future uses. Built in 1883 and valued at $965,000, the center’s age presents challenges, yet it remains up to code and includes a functioning elevator. The site is zoned for multifamily use but is too small for standard development, prompting discussions on four potential actions: selling the property, retaining it for town use, gifting it to the housing authority for housing development, or leasing it to a for-profit or non-profit entity. The board emphasized the need for community input to align with both current needs and historical preservation.

The discussion on the Pleasant Street Center included examples from neighboring communities as potential models for the building’s repurposing. The Inspire Cafe in Wakefield and Breaking Grounds Cafe in Peabody were highlighted as successful public-private partnerships that provide employment opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities. These models have been positively received and benefitted their respective communities. Additionally, there were suggestions for art-focused repurposing, such as transforming the center into a town museum and performance space.

Legal and logistical challenges of leasing or selling the property were also addressed. While the select board can lease the building, any lease involving the associated land requires town meeting approval. Concerns were raised about operational costs associated with new uses, with a focus on minimizing additional costs to the town. The potential for revenue generation through creative uses of the space was discussed, with suggestions including a community cafe model.

Feedback from the board leaned towards retaining the building, with a member expressing sadness at the thought of selling it. The intrinsic value of keeping the property within the community was emphasized, with ideas for community-oriented spaces that could involve local students and foster collaboration between the town and schools. The discussion concluded with an invitation for further input from all members, encouraging them to share additional thoughts or ideas for the Pleasant Street Center.

In parallel, the board deliberated on the salary range for the superintendent position, considering the implications of the Massachusetts transparency law requiring a salary range in job postings. A range of $200,000 to $250,000 was proposed. Opinions varied regarding the appropriate lower limit, with some members advocating for a broader range to ensure flexibility in negotiations.

The board acknowledged that offering a compelling salary is important for attracting candidates who might otherwise be hesitant to leave their current positions. The discussion revealed a consensus on the need to balance fiscal responsibility with the necessity of attracting top-tier candidates.

Following the salary range discussion, the board focused on forming a search committee for the superintendent position. The committee aimed to ensure diverse representation from various educational levels and community stakeholders. Efforts were made to include parents, staff, and town officials, with an emphasis on special education and the METCO program.