One notable topics was the timeline concerning a land swap and the attached reverter clause set to activate in May 2028. The committee recognized the urgency of this deadline, noting that failure to secure funding by fall 2027 could necessitate additional town meetings, potentially in winter 2027 and spring 2028. A committee member emphasized, “Three more years from now isn’t really that far away,” highlighting the need to accelerate the process to meet Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) deadlines.

The committee also delved into the 12-month schematic design timeframe, questioning whether this period was mandated by the MSBA or a conservative estimate. It was clarified that the timeline was conservative, suggesting that faster progress might be requested, although this was uncertain due to the bureaucratic nature of the state agency. The conversation shifted to the complexities of collaborating with architects, noting that starting anew with a different architect would not ensure a seamless continuation from prior designs.

Forming the school building committee was another essential topic, with expectations for prompt establishment following appointments by the Select Board. The committee aimed to complete educational profiles and online enrollment projections by July while ensuring maintenance documentation was finalized within 180 days from May. Local funding authorization was reiterated as critical for moving forward, with a previous town meeting in January having allocated $1.5 million for project advancement.

The necessity of securing this funding was stressed, as it was deemed vital for clearing obstacles in future steps. A committee member noted, “If we got that out first thing that it clears everything else and just kind of move forward a lot quicker.” The current phase involved the eligibility period, with the following stages including forming the project team and conducting feasibility studies. The committee recognized the need to carefully navigate MSBA’s schedules for board meetings and selections to avoid delays.

An update was provided regarding changes to the school building committee roster, with Nathan Hutto appointed to replace Selena Miranda. The discussion touched upon the necessity of confirming ongoing appointments with the new town moderator. There was light-hearted banter, illustrating community engagement among committee members.

Budget considerations were also discussed, with an assessment of remaining funds from previous allocations. It was suggested that retaining some of the previously allocated money would be prudent, given the potential for unforeseen expenses outside the $1.5 million earmarked for the MSBA study. A member highlighted the need for a funding mechanism to cover unexpected costs, stating, “If something comes up that’s outside of that kind of delineated scope, that’s there, we need some type of funding mechanism to cover that if it comes up.”

Discussions also included a proposal for a boundary survey from BSC Engineering, prompted by the land swap in 2023. The town council requested current boundary maps for specific parcels, with the survey quoted at $32,000. Some debate arose over the cost, with suggestions to seek additional quotes. The survey would cover two parcels, measuring six and approximately 100 acres, respectively. The comprehensive nature of the survey was explained, as it needed to encompass the entire boundary due to MSBA requirements and land complexities.

Funding for the survey was addressed, with residual funds from a previous allocation approved at town meetings expected to cover the costs. Members intended to verify with the town finance director about refunding any surplus funds to the town once project requirements were met. A motion was made to approve the BSC group proposal, which passed unanimously with a roll call vote.

The project timeline was revisited, with an emphasis on smoothly transitioning from module one to module two in the fall. The committee was reminded of the importance of obtaining the next contact date with the MSBA to facilitate this transition. The projected timeline suggested that schematic design work would not be completed until late 2026, potentially delaying funding requests to July 2027 and prolonging the overall project timeline. Members were encouraged to remain vigilant about deadlines and meetings to ensure progress through the summer and fall.