The committee acknowledged the substantial costs involved in both renovating and rebuilding Turkey Hill school. Estimates for renovation were pegged between $15 million and $20 million, whereas a new build could reach up to $85 million. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) was identified as a critical factor in the decision-making process due to its reimbursement policies. The MSBA’s current reimbursement rate of 31% applies to new constructions, not renovations, creating a financial dilemma for the committee.

The importance of structured goals and plansning was emphasized, with committee members expressing a desire to engage the town’s facilities director, Chris Stevens, for insights into the building’s condition. A report on Turkey Hill’s current state was referenced as a valuable resource. The committee agreed to keep Turkey Hill on the agenda for future meetings.

Another topic was the exploration of orphaned trusts that could potentially benefit the school district financially. The committee discussed the possibility of accessing funds from these historical trusts, with one member highlighting a successful retrieval of over $50,000 by the library from a 19th-century trust. The committee recognized that these trusts, often overlooked, could be valuable resources but require legal navigation to repurpose funds for current needs. The conversation included the prospect of forming a subcommittee to manage any scholarships derived from these trusts.

The meeting progressed with a detailed review of policies, including the transition to a cashless environment by the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The cash handling policy aims to streamline financial transactions within the district, mandating cashless transactions for all school-related purchases and events. While there was general consensus on the merits of moving to a cashless system, concerns were raised about accessibility for those accustomed to cash payments, particularly at sporting events. The policy discussion highlighted potential community resistance and the need for compatible payment solutions like QR codes or systems like Square.

In conjunction with fiscal discussions, the committee explored the implementation of a vocational interest program (VIP) in collaboration with Monty Tech. This initiative aims to enhance student engagement with vocational education, offering tours and assemblies to introduce students to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The program is designed to provide eighth graders with exposure to vocational opportunities, supported by comprehensive information sharing and financial backing from Monty Tech.

The session also featured discussions on the management and oversight of scholarships related to the school district. Members stressed the importance of ensuring that scholarship funds are managed in alignment with donors’ intentions and statutory requirements.

Other topics included plans for a cashless ticketing system for school events. The committee debated the practicality of hiring personnel for ticket sales versus implementing cashless systems that could streamline the process and potentially increase revenue.