The meeting then extended to a thorough discussion of the school budget, particularly the staffing cuts in special education and the debate over the elimination of a Middle School assistant principal position. Concerns were raised about the impact of these reductions on class sizes and the overall management of the school. The Finance Committee scrutinized budget increases for high school department heads and special education directors and examined the anticipated collective bargaining agreements and their financial implications for the district.

Salary competitiveness was another topic of concern. Discussions highlighted the high staff turnover and the impact of not keeping pace with salaries, citing the revolving door effect on the teaching unit and the broader workforce. The committee debated the role of collective bargaining agreements and the financial strain increased salaries could impose on the town.

Building maintenance was also on the agenda, with the committee stressing the importance of proactive maintenance to prevent costly breakdowns and the need for a comprehensive 10-year plan for operations and capital planning. A recent lightning strike at the high school, causing damage to rooftop units, sparked a debate on insurance coverage and the necessity for a Building Management System (BMS) to monitor power outages.

The committee discussed the challenges of managing school facilities and the impact of program relocations on the infrastructure. They also touched upon the need for regular inspections and preventative maintenance for physical plant systems.

Additionally, the meeting covered the school facilities and budget, emphasizing the need to manage risks and maintain a balanced budget while addressing the condition of the Turkey Hill building and the potential relocation of the Ace Program. The discussion included considerations for reduced bus transportation and the offer of donated dispensers to save on paper supplies.

Regarding town buildings, members discussed prioritizing maintenance requirements against the need for a detailed 10-year operations and capital plan. The school department’s request for a new snow plowing truck was debated.