The board’s primary focus was on the Laboure College campus, which includes Building A, a large colonial structure intended for administrative use; Building B, featuring administrative and student lounge spaces; and Building C, the main classroom building with approximately eight classrooms. The site, described as well-maintained, is expected to be put on the market by August 31. The board emphasized the need to address the space limitations faced by the school district and discussed various programmatic options to make effective use of the property.

To further explore the feasibility of integrating the Laboure College buildings into the school system, the board plans to engage an architectural firm. This firm will assess the viability of the site and propose modifications necessary for educational purposes. The potential relocation of the central office and administrative functions from Milton High School to the new site was discussed as a way to free up space at the high school.

However, the board also noted that the property lacks essential facilities like a cafeteria and movement space. An architect’s involvement would help determine how best to address these needs. The board members highlighted the importance of developing a rubric to evaluate educational advantages and challenges associated with various programmatic options.

In addition to assessing the property’s suitability, the board acknowledged the need for a town meeting vote to authorize the purchase. A subsequent town-wide vote would be required to fund any construction projects. The Select Board holds the authority to purchase property, while the school committee is tasked with deciding the program to occupy the facility.

The board also discussed the role of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) in the project. They considered bypassing some MSBA processes to expedite decisions regarding a preschool program. Discussions included how to proceed with non-reimbursable spaces in the current conceptual project, with the goal of refining the budget for the Gow Road project without increasing the overall budget.

A vote was taken to move forward with engaging architectural services, with a unanimous decision to proceed. The board plans to reach out to various architects, including firms like Bold Architect and Arrowstreet, to gauge their interest and availability. The timeline for preliminary layouts was set for the end of July, with further plans expected as the summer progresses.

Concerns about the potential purchase timeline were raised, with the property expected to be available for sale by August 31. The board expressed urgency in addressing these matters. A meeting was proposed for May 20th to further discuss options and ensure public engagement on the matter.

As the meeting continued, the board addressed additional factors like conservation restrictions and the thermal envelope of the buildings, which could affect renovation plans. The importance of a structural assessment was emphasized to ensure any modifications do not compromise the integrity of the Victorian-style Building A. The board committed to drafting a scope of work for the architectural services to provide clarity and alignment before reaching out to potential architects.

In the concluding discussions, the board acknowledged the need for a thorough assessment of the site’s capacity for renovation, considering the implications of the stretch energy code. The meeting was characterized by collaborative discussions, with a focus on returning to concrete actions and decisions regarding the potential property acquisition.