The committee dedicated attention to the MSBA feasibility study for the high school, emphasizing its importance for the community. In anticipation of the town meeting scheduled for Saturday, the committee discussed a comprehensive communication plan to ensure maximum community participation. This plan includes an email drafted by a committee member to highlight the study’s significance and encourage attendance at the meeting. Office hours were set for 2:00 p.m. at Rushford, providing an opportunity for residents to engage in discussions about the study. The committee underscored the study’s implications for high school design, including potential features like a swimming pool, which remain undecided.

The School Building Committee, responsible for decisions regarding the feasibility study, opened the application process for new members. They are seeking individuals with experience relevant to the MSBA process, noting that applicants need not be parents of current students and that eligible educators cannot be town employees. The deadline for applications is May 23, with appointments expected by early June. The committee acknowledged the need to update the town website’s volunteer form to accurately reflect the School Committee’s designated spots, and plans to include application links in future communications.

Discussions surrounding the MSBA feasibility study also covered potential state reimbursements, estimated at around 50%. The committee acknowledged that the final reimbursement percentage would depend on the project’s scope and decisions, such as the inclusion of additional features. They stressed the importance of clear communication to prevent misunderstandings about the reimbursement process and financial implications. The committee approved the communication plan concerning the feasibility study, including amendments to incorporate application links for the School Building Committee.

In other business, the committee reviewed a solar lease agreement for Adams Middle School and Vassalboro Elementary. After consulting with legal counsel and a consultant, the committee expressed comfort with the agreement’s language. A motion to authorize Dr. Susan Kustka to sign the agreement was unanimously approved.

Budget discussions followed, with the committee addressing a recent $29,000 increase in local aid from the state. The finance committee had endorsed a request for a 0.5 out-of-district coordinator position, leading to a recommended $60,000 budget increase. The committee weighed options for the budget request, ultimately voting to amend it to reflect the finance committee’s recommendation. They also planned to post the budget presentation on the town’s website and distribute it via email. Concerns were raised about the visibility of slides shared during the meeting, prompting the creation of a PDF version for clarity.

The committee prepared for the upcoming town meeting on May 11th, focusing on delivering a concise budget presentation while ensuring comprehensive data access for community members. A motion to amend the budget request to $45,874,162 was unanimously approved, as was a motion to approve the budget presentation with discussed modifications.

Noteworthy achievements were also highlighted during the meeting. Two Holliston High School students, Josh Lawande and Jacob, earned second place at the DECA International Career Development Conference, with the committee expressing pride in their success. Additionally, the committee welcomed Dr. Karen Rondan Bourne as the new director of teaching and learning, effective July 1, 2025, expressing optimism about her future contributions.

Public comments included Jess Omen, a local resident, who declined an appointment to fill a committee vacancy, opting instead to run for a full three-year term. She emphasized the importance of community choice in governance, stating, “I firmly believe this decision should be made by the public at the ballot box.”

The superintendent provided updates on various achievements and upcoming events, including Dr. McCloud’s dissertation work and a scheduled presentation, the Special Olympics event, and the district’s Student Opportunity Act update. The superintendent highlighted efforts to address chronic absenteeism and implement inclusive practices.