0:41The meeting commenced with the issue of revisiting the regional school agreement, which has not been updated for over a decade. The discussion involved representatives from both Freetown and Lakeville and focused on ensuring the document aligns with legal updates and the charters of both towns. A concern was the lack of financial transparency from the school district. It was proposed that regular financial updates be provided directly by the school committee, potentially negating the need for formal amendments to the agreement. Monthly financial reports were suggested to enhance the transparency and communication between the towns and the school committee.

Additionally, there was a consensus on the importance of involving town representatives in the hiring process for the superintendent, though it was recognized that legal considerations must be reviewed. On the financial front, the need for comprehensive audits was emphasized. A participant voiced concern over a previous decision not to pursue an audit, advocating for routine audits every ten years to ensure the integrity of school district operations. The idea of triggering additional audits based on financial irregularities was also discussed.

39:57Attention then turned to the financial and logistical challenges of school safety, particularly the integration of School Resource Officers (SROs) into the school environment. Currently, the SRO’s salary is shared between the school district and the town, with the officer returning to patrol duties during summer. The adequacy of having one SRO cover multiple schools was questioned, reflecting broader concerns over school safety in the community.

Safety training for school staff and law enforcement also featured prominently in the meeting. There was a focus on active shooter drills, with discussions about securing grants to fund these exercises. The necessity of regular training to prepare for potential threats was underscored, with suggestions to include specific budget allocations for such training rather than relying on overtime funds.

27:00The meeting also addressed the management and operation of the boat ramp, a shared resource between the state and the town of Freetown. The lack of a marine unit and the need for a wash station to prevent invasive species were discussed. Concerns were raised over parking and safety issues due to high demand and the logistical challenges of fee collection, which is constrained by state agreements. Suggestions were made to engage the community in managing the ramp and monitor for invasive species.

52:46Finally, the potential for a recall provision for elected officials within the regional school district was deliberated. Lakeville has already established such a mechanism, but Freetown has yet to do so. The urgency of drafting language for a potential town meeting article was acknowledged, with emphasis on collaboration between the towns and legal counsel to ensure any proposed recall provision is precise and constitutional.