A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the financial aspects of the school construction project. The overall budget was reported at $177,460,652, with $83.5 million in invoices received. Of this amount, $73,849,894 has been submitted to Propay for reimbursement. A substantial reimbursement request exceeding $15 million is awaiting approval from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), with total reimbursements expected to surpass $40 million. The project remains on track, with contingencies and uncommitted costs reported in favorable standing. Updates from the MSBA revealed an amendment to the Project Funding Agreement (PFA) that required corrections, with finalization anticipated soon.

Construction updates provided insights into the project’s progress, including the dismantling of snack shacks and press box, and the ongoing work on the new press box slab, with installation projected for late February. The power installations for the tennis courts and concession building are complete, while the academic wing’s brickwork is finished, and windows have been installed. Significant interior work, such as ceiling grid installation and wall tiling, is underway, with notable progress in the auditorium and gym. Steel installation for the pool building is slated for early January, with completion expected by year-end. The placement of HVAC units on the roof marked a critical milestone, with the construction workforce averaging 200 personnel daily.

The committee also discussed the complexities of coordinating future construction efforts, particularly concerning the snack shack. Queries about the completion of window installations were met with assurances of ongoing progress. The architect’s update highlighted minimal change orders amounting to approximately $66,000, addressing specific concerns such as cafeteria rail adjustments, an acid tank system for chemistry classes, and corrections related to classroom monitor inputs. While financial stability appears sound, caution was advised to prevent unforeseen changes or additional costs.

In operational matters, the meeting addressed the successful design of the building’s brickwork, particularly on the south side, which received positive feedback for its aesthetic quality. The auditorium’s seating risers, recently poured, were discussed for their complex design, which includes steps and ramps for accessibility. The masonry work in the locker rooms and pool area is progressing, with optimism regarding equipment and furniture budgets. While some bids exceeded the budget, they remain within contingency funds, leaving approximately $200,000 available. The need for new pianos was discussed, with a suggestion to purchase refurbished or new ones, as well as considerations for smaller items like coffee machines.

The conversation shifted to audiovisual equipment, where the preferred bidder won the contract, leading to the installation of flat-screen monitors in classrooms and corridors for digital signage. Ensuring that the technology meets the school’s needs was emphasized.

A noteworthy achievement in the school’s energy efficiency was the meeting of the energy use intensity (EUI) target of 25 during the design process, which qualified the project for a $385,000 incentive from Mass Save. This financial support will be processed through National Grid, with clarification on fund allocation to the town’s budget, typically directed to the district.

Traffic and bus route logistics were another focal point, with discussions on maintaining the separation of bus and parent traffic to uphold safety. Suggestions to enhance signage and use barriers to control access were made. The routing of visiting team buses and managing traffic during peak periods were also debated, with a consensus on ensuring smooth traffic flow.

Snow removal and sidewalk maintenance were highlighted, particularly concerns about the best practices for clearing snow without damaging new infrastructure. The equipment used by the Department of Public Works (DPW) and custodians was discussed, with an emphasis on the need for a clear operational plan for the winter season. The potential for contracting out some snow removal tasks was considered, given the anticipated increase in manpower and time requirements due to the new campus size.