One notable topics was the ongoing water leak in the AES gym closet, which has troubled the district for nearly two decades. An engineering assessment revealed that the issue stems from improper installation of materials. The committee plans to collaborate with Gale Associates to determine the next steps for remediation and associated costs.

Budgetary considerations were another critical focus of the meeting. The committee discussed the anticipated timeline for budget discussions, emphasizing the importance of upcoming meetings with the Board of Select and the Town Administrator in December. These meetings aim to review financial figures and consider the superintendent’s budget recommendations. The budget outlook remains challenging, with the district classified as a minimum district due to stagnant student enrollment and minimal growth in town revenues. The committee anticipates necessary cuts to non-essential items to address these financial constraints.

A notable factor impacting the FY 25 budget is the reduced circuit breaker reimbursement. The funds from FY 23 have been diminished for FY 24, affecting the FY 25 budget. The district is adapting by increasing in-house services, resulting in less reimbursement as they move away from expensive out-of-district placements. This strategy reflects a shift in resource allocation.

Facility audits also played a role in the discussions. The committee received a draft investment grade audit from a consulting firm, Train, on October 4. This preliminary draft is undergoing internal review to prevent misinformation before public dissemination. A subsequent meeting with town personnel will focus on the audit’s findings, potential funding opportunities, and the implications for the town if debt exclusions are pursued. This aligns with Chairperson Hood’s motion to defer discussions on warrants at the fall town meeting, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the audit’s outcomes before making any financial commitments.

The food service department introduced a new online menu platform, “Healthy Pro,” which allows parents to customize meal selections for their children, accommodating dietary restrictions and providing nutritional information. The committee addressed labor hours in accordance with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s formula.

In the realm of policy, the committee unanimously approved several non-discrimination and harassment policies, including AC, ACR, and ACA. Although concerns regarding parents’ rights in relation to their children’s gender identity were raised, it was agreed that adopting these policies would not preclude further discussions in future subcommittee meetings.

The meeting also touched on the Acushnet Public School regionalization feasibility committee, with a proposal to rename it to better reflect its purpose of exploring the feasibility of regionalization. The committee emphasized the need for clarity in objectives and acknowledged the importance of teacher representation within this group. Legislative changes affecting high school diploma requirements were also discussed, highlighting potential impacts on future costs and negotiations related to regionalization and tuition agreements.

An update regarding the town’s financial management was shared with the hiring of a new town accountant, Mr. Ellis. The committee expressed cautious optimism about his potential contributions to improving efficiencies within the town and school operations. However, concerns about his part-time status raised questions about his availability for the responsibilities at hand.

The superintendent recommended extending the New Bedford High School tuition agreement for one year to align with the agreement for Fairhaven High School. The committee discussed reviewing all high school options for Acushnet students, including presentations from neighboring towns about academic and extracurricular offerings. The motion to extend the New Bedford High School contract was approved unanimously.