The meeting’s primary focus was a detailed joint presentation led by the superintendent of schools and the public works director, concerning the need for a comprehensive roof study and subsequent replacements at Chelmsford High School, Harrington School, and McCarthy Middle School. The estimated cost for these replacements is projected at approximately $9 million for Chelmsford High School, $3.5 million for Harrington School, and between $5 to $6 million for McCarthy Middle School. To initiate these projects, a request for $100,000 was made to fund a roof study, which would include test cuts, a analysis, and preliminary design work, helping to determine the actual scope of the work needed. The superintendent emphasized the importance of understanding the necessary repairs to possibly phase the projects, thereby extending the roofs’ lifespan and ensuring timely interventions.

In parallel, the board examined a request for building safety and security upgrades at Baym and South Row Elementary Schools. These upgrades focus on replacing outdated clock, intercom, and PA systems, integrating them with a recently implemented Emergency Notification System (ENS). A budget estimate of $250,000 was proposed for these replacements. This project is part of a phased approach to upgrade safety systems across additional schools in the coming years.

The board also discussed further safety upgrades, including building intrusion systems and fire panels, with a proposed budget of $400,000. The superintendent pointed out existing issues with fire panels and sensors that need addressing, starting with Harrington and Baym, where previous upgrades would facilitate the integration of new systems. The intent is to manage these projects effectively within budget constraints, with cost estimates already accounting for expected savings from bundling the projects together.

Attention then shifted to the rehabilitation of the Biome Elementary School parking lot, which was described as deteriorated. The estimated cost for this project is $700,000, covering repaving, subbase improvements, and ADA accessibility enhancements. The project will also include installing new granite curbing and improving crosswalks to ensure safety and compliance with accessibility standards.

The meeting also addressed the need for urgent electrical upgrades at Chelmsford High School and South Row, with an additional $150,000 requested to supplement the existing $400,000 funding. These upgrades are critical for replacing aging panel boards and maintaining the switch gear systems essential for electricity distribution. It’s crucial as these components are original to the buildings and difficult to replace due to their age. The board highlighted the potential operational challenges if these systems fail, emphasizing the importance of ongoing assessments to accommodate future electrification efforts in the town.

A proposal for enhancing safety at McCarthy Middle School was also introduced, focusing on a bi-directional antenna system to improve radio connectivity, addressing dead spots caused by the building’s age. The antenna installation would be integrated with the building’s systems and would not interfere with ongoing roof work, as confirmed during the meeting.

The board concluded with a discussion on funding strategies for upcoming projects, considering remaining funds from previous projects and proposing a borrowing target of $6.2 million. This target considers the recaptured funds, emphasizing the prioritization of projects based on safety and operational needs. Members were provided with a project funding worksheet to explore various scenarios and project amounts, aiding in identifying which projects should be prioritized for funding. The next meeting was scheduled for December 4th at the school administration building.