One notable issue discussed was the Milville Elementary School water update, where town administrator Peter Caruso provided an intricate update on the water system. He outlined the testing results for various contaminants and detailed the measures taken to address these challenges. Efforts to comply with state regulations were ongoing, and potential long-term solutions, such as connecting to the Xbridge water line and securing engineering grants, were under consideration. A decision was made to share a notice about the water situation with the school population, highlighting the committee’s focus on transparency and student safety.

The introduction of new staff members also captured the committee’s attention, with Superintendent Jason DeFalco presenting Darlene Godette as the new athletic director and student life director. Godette expressed her appreciation for the opportunity.

Facility use fees and the associated cost structure for different user groups were another focal point of the meeting. The discussion centered on whether to restructure the fee groups, incorporating more flexibility to accommodate various types of facility usage, and the inclusion of custodial fees. The impact on organizations using the facilities was considered, with some members suggesting a delay in implementing fee changes to allow for adjustment. Additionally, the committee debated the pricing disparities in athletic fees and considered equalizing them across all sports, despite the challenges posed by ongoing signups.

The superintendent updated the committee on the successful launch of the summer programming, which saw 130 kids participate, including 14 English language learner students. Plans for additional programs starting in July were underway. Furthermore, the goal to release transportation routes by August 8th was discussed to support the transition to the new three-building model. The superintendent also reported on the tiered Focus monitoring for the title grants. Personnel updates from the business office included vacancies for critical positions such as school psychologist, math interventionist, and special education, alongside ongoing interviews for paraprofessional and district accountant positions. Exit survey responses from resigning staff cited reasons such as seeking less rigorous instruction and more playtime at the kindergarten level.

The committee’s consideration of candidates for teaching positions revealed preferences among applicants, with some looking for different career choices, others wanting to teach beyond their current grade levels, and some not interested in preschool work. One candidate had already left for a district offering less instruction at the kindergarten level. Additionally, the FY 2024 closeout projection suggested that the School Committee’s expectations would be met, with funds reallocated to cover deficit accounts and carryover for unanticipated costs in the next fiscal year.

The acceptance of a $2,000 Fuel Up grant earmarked for new cafeteria equipment was another positive development. The grant would fund the purchase of smoothie machines for the high school. Surplus requests to dispose of outdated school materials and kitchen equipment were also approved, with a specific mention of clearing out materials at the Harnet school and disposing of an old kitchen mixer from 1972.

Facility-related updates included the completion of the LED lighting project at the high school, moisture issues affecting the gym floor, and the movement of grades at JFK. At the middle school, the LED lighting project was underway, and repairs to the storm drain outside the cafeteria window were needed. Additionally, McLure engineers replaced the chemical pumps at the Mville Elementary School’s filtration system. Preparations for the upcoming girls’ field hockey season were also noted, with a focus on getting the field ready for play.

The Blackstone-Millville youth basketball summer camp was granted permission to use school facilities, and the committee scheduled the next meeting for August 19th, 2024. The session concluded with the committee entering an executive session to discuss strategies related to Collective Bargaining or litigation, with no intention to return to an open session.