A detailed update on the water situation at Millville Elementary School captured the attention of committee members and attendees. The school is currently reliant on bottled water for the entire academic year due to concerns about drinking water contamination. To address the issue, a request was made by the water operator to install a Jazwell seal in the school’s well. This seal, constructed from FDA food-grade-approved materials, aims to protect the well from potential contamination. The installation is slated for completion by November 7th, contingent on approval from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. As a precautionary measure, the town of Millville is supplying bottled water and bulk water to the school until the well is deemed safe for use again.

In addition to the water issue, the meeting covered the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) project, which is still in the preferred schematic submission phase. The committee is engaging the community through newsletters and a Facebook page dedicated to the school building project, which serves as an information hub. A community open house is scheduled for November 10th, offering an opportunity for public feedback and discussion about the current facilities and project plans. The event will include a live-streamed presentation, allowing virtual attendees to submit questions in real-time.

The committee also approved multiple middle school field trips, including an eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C. Due to the ongoing government shutdown, the trip’s itinerary remains tentative. However, a notable change in transportation has been confirmed, shifting from bus to train travel to alleviate previous traffic challenges. The trip is now planned for April to potentially coincide with the cherry blossom season, with financial aid options available for students requiring assistance.

Athletics were another key topic, with announcements regarding changes in the athletic department’s leadership. The current director of student athletic life is stepping down, and Elizabeth Bard will return as the new director. Winter sports registration is now open, with tryouts scheduled to begin shortly. The committee discussed team configurations and scheduling for both winter and spring sports, highlighting the inclusion of varsity basketball and track meets.

Budgetary matters included an update on the FY26 budget, with a reported savings trend in salaries due to vacancies and grant funding. However, caution was advised as the fiscal year progresses, with transportation budgets particularly under scrutiny. The committee approved several budget transfers to align with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) functions and address unexpected departmental expenses.

Facility maintenance and improvements were also discussed, noting issues such as a malfunctioning high school compressor and a leaking booster pump at Hotnet Middle School. Plans are underway to address these concerns, with upgrades suggested for aging systems. Facility use requests were approved for community events, including a Hometown Christmas celebration and a BMR drama fundraiser. The committee waived fees for these events, considering their community focus and previous practices.