The $60,000 donation to Roberts Elementary School was a notable item of discussion, with funds allocated for purchasing various musical instruments, including violins, ukuleles, and a Yamaha piano. Superintendent Dr. Edouard-Vincent expressed gratitude for the generosity of Ernie Bach Jr. and Music Drives Us, noting the profound impact this support will have on students’ educational experiences.

However, the meeting quickly transitioned to addressing the pressing infrastructural concerns within the district, particularly the aging HVAC systems at the Mlin and Andrews schools. These systems, installed when the schools opened in 2001, have been identified as requiring significant maintenance and upgrades. A shift from reactive to preventative maintenance is planned. The pandemic further highlighted deficiencies, particularly in air quality, exacerbated by the use of now-banned R22 refrigerant.

A comprehensive evaluation revealed that the HVAC systems had only been recommissioned once since 2010, pointing to a gap in necessary maintenance practices. Maintenance had been reactive, addressing failures as they occurred rather than preventing them. The district plans to transition to a preventative maintenance model, emphasizing the need for long-term sustainability. A $5 million bond request was discussed to fund the initial phase of the overhaul, covering construction documents, early bid packages, and equipment pre-purchasing.

The committee recognized the complexities of this undertaking, particularly the challenge of navigating federal tariffs that could affect project costs. The overall project is expected to cost between $23 million and $27 million, with a portion dedicated to roof replacement options ranging from $2.8 million to $3 million. The Andrews school will pursue a solar array installation, while the Mlin installation is considered an add alternate in the bidding process, leveraging potential federal tax credits for municipalities.

The committee also pondered the need for proactive communication with school renters and the logistical implications of ongoing construction. Upgrades to comply with ADA standards were noted, especially given the construction work exceeding 30% of the assessed value of the buildings. The overarching goal is to ensure that HVAC systems are operational by the end of August, with larger spaces like gyms and cafeterias following later.

In addition, the meeting included the recognition of Medford’s student-athletes’ achievements across various sports. The Medford Mustang Marching Band, varsity football team, and golf team were acknowledged for their accomplishments, with students receiving certificates of recognition. Notably, the football team’s success this season, claiming the Greater Boston League title for the first time since 1985, was celebrated.

The football team’s achievements were further highlighted with individual honors. A female player, identified as Brian SOS, made history by scoring points in a varsity game, while Justin Marino was recognized as the first GBL MVP for the football team, breaking records for points and touchdowns. Coach John Curley received praise for his leadership, transforming the program into a league leader over six years.

The committee’s discussions also encompassed administrative matters, including the review of the budget development process and capital planning. Suggestions were made to improve fiscal governance by voting on each major section of the budget rather than a single line item. This proposal aimed to enhance accountability and oversight of financial decisions within the district.

The meeting concluded with the approval of a revised budget calendar, which extends the timeline to better align with regular committee meetings. The committee aims to finalize the budget by the end of February, considering the complexities of additional funds and union negotiations.