The school funding discussion was particularly highlighted, as the board grappled with the challenges of supporting educational infrastructure amid changing demographics. The outgoing sixth-grade class included 14 school choice students, whereas the incoming kindergarten boasted 20 Conway residents. The board debated the impact of school choice on the budget and ultimately requested an additional $45,000 in school choice funds to bring the budget below a 3% annual increase. The members presented divergent viewpoints, with some emphasizing fiscal scrutiny and others advocating for investment in public education as a driver for the town’s growth and property values. The importance of the school system for Conway’s attractiveness and long-term sustainability was underscored.

Opioid settlement funds were another focal point of the meeting. There was uncertainty regarding the regulations for spending these funds and discussions over whether the Board of Health should have the final say on their allocation. The potential impact on other town funds was considered, particularly if the opioid settlement money was directed towards specific items such as Narcan and AEDs. The Finance Committee proposed to deliver recommendations at the next select board meeting about the uses of these funds.

The board approved a 120-day waiver for the proposed DCR land acquisition, following a representative’s explanation that the waiver would facilitate a quicker closing and respond to the seller’s needs. The potential impact on town revenue and the requirements for the forestry plan were debated before the vote.

Regarding local amenities, the meeting addressed the relocation of a 40-year-old bench in Veterans Memorial Park. Deliberations about where to place the bench considered cost, maintenance, and visibility. Options included near the Christmas tree, South River Meadow, or the Town Common, with a final decision to position it within the park itself. The board also approved the placement of a 4-tier bench in the park.

The Personnel Committee’s budget item for the year, which included funds for reviewing a revised handbook by the Employers Association of New England through the Franklin County Council of Governments (FCOG), was discussed. The handbook had not been updated since 2018 and concerns were raised about potential conflicts and the absence of an HR professional’s review. A budget request of $1,500 for the review was presented, with additional funds for potential interactions with Town Council on a case-by-case basis.

The board engaged in a conversation about the budget process and the transparency of salary increases within department budgets. The debate centered around whether salary increases should be kept separate from departmental budget requests. A request for a stipend for an individual was met with mixed reactions from members. In addition, the board touched on the status of various road projects and plans to follow up on their progress.

The meeting concluded with a reminder to include an agenda item for the next meeting concerning the D and excess dispy stuff for Frontier and then motioned to adjourn.