The committee discussed a major lighting upgrade at the middle school, leveraging a $200,000 National Grid grant aimed at weatherization and lighting improvements. Of the grant, $93,000 is allocated for transitioning to LED lighting with an additional $5,850 in credits or incentives, while the remaining $116,000 liability was proposed to be covered using net metering credits. The committee considered the financial implications and the project’s timeline, including the necessity for a contingency plan should the credits fall short. A motion was passed to authorize the superintendent to take any necessary steps regarding the project, with the stipulation of further updates in subsequent meetings.

The National Grid LED lighting project was not the only financial topic. The committee examined a detailed budget projection, noting substantial changes in revenue lines for Charter School reimbursement, which increased, and Choice receiving tuition, which decreased. The deficit in the athletics budget due to transportation costs was also a subject of discussion, prompting the superintendent to suggest a closer review of the chart of accounts for possible adjustments. Additionally, the committee debated the authorization of free deliveries for kilowatt hours and the payment of a 20-year solar project debt service, with a decision postponed until further information could be obtained.

On the educational front, the superintendent reported on the expansion of the program of study at Blackstone-Millville Regional High School, with the addition of new AP courses such as AP Pre-Calculus, AP Seminar, and four new elective courses. The committee approved these changes and expressed support for the independent study opportunities available to students. The superintendent also touched on the upcoming event for incoming eighth graders and the elective offerings for them.

The committee was briefed on summer programming that encompasses math and literacy enrichment, along with safety, credit recovery, extended school year, enrichment camps, and clinics for athletics and special education. Plans also include an ELL enrichment program and a STEM summer science program.

In terms of community engagement and school transitions, the upcoming open houses for various grade levels were discussed, encouraging community members to participate. The committee also reviewed the reconfiguration work in administrative teams, the transition preparations for new preschool staff, and the move to three administrative teams. Open house celebrations for eighth grade, fifth grade, and kindergarten graduations were confirmed to be on schedule.

Financial discussions extended to the FY 25 budget, with reports of support from both the Blackstone and Milville finance committees, despite initial recommendations for reductions. The town meeting dates and the importance of continuous communication with stakeholders were emphasized. Additionally, a warrant article in Milville for an extra $90,000 for water maintenance, previously shot down, was later approved to be included in the operating budget, illustrating active collaboration with local government entities.

The committee also acknowledged the end-of-year events for the class of 2024 and expressed gratitude for the committee’s sponsorship of the class breakfast. Positive feedback from an English Language Learner (ELL) audit was shared, with the majority of areas fully implemented and one area identified for progress updates.

Furthermore, the business office report provided an updated expenditure report, crucial for insightful budget management and year-end financial projections. The report offered transparency in the district’s fiscal status and informed future budgetary decisions.