The project’s financial escalation was attributed to the need for a complete redesign of the center court slab, which must be lowered by one to two feet to ensure proper installation of the maple wood flooring. This upgrade was deemed necessary to maintain a uniform height that aligns with door transitions and other structural elements. The director of facilities outlined the demolition and reconstruction processes, emphasizing moisture mitigation strategies to address past issues with the existing floor.

Safety was a key consideration, with wood surfaces preferred over foam-backed vinyl due to better shock absorption and elasticity, which are important for preventing sports injuries. These factors have led to a league-wide shift, with 10 out of 11 high schools opting for wood surfaces.

The Select Board unanimously voted to recommend Article 15, which reflects the revised $3 million budget for the project, to the town meeting. The commitment to moving forward with this renovation underscores the community’s priority of ensuring high-quality, safe athletic facilities.

In addition to the Fieldhouse project, the board discussed the expansion of educational initiatives, particularly for Multilingual Learners (MLL) and students facing achievement gaps. Efforts include the introduction of Sheltered English Instruction (SEI) coaching and a potential curriculum adoption in the 2025-2026 school year. The board acknowledged the positive impact of job-embedded support for teachers and the leadership of Karen Hall in these areas.

Another agenda item was the recognition of nine National Merit Scholars and one semi-finalist. Dr. Chess highlighted their achievements, noting the rigorous academic and extracurricular commitments these students have undertaken. Each scholar shared their future academic plans, ranging from biochemistry to computer science.

The board also addressed concerns about grant funding, with notable changes in various educational grants. The Department of Health grant saw a $21,000 reduction, while the IDEA grant decreased by $223,000 due to fewer qualifying students. These financial challenges were discussed with an emphasis on the board’s advocacy efforts to secure additional funding.

Educational performance metrics were another focal point, with presentations on the latest MCAS results. Reading Public Schools reported above-average growth in math and English Language Arts (ELA) across all levels. However, disparities among subgroups were highlighted, particularly concerning Black and African-American students, who showed significant growth but continued to lag in meeting expectations.

The board also discussed the formation of the ACE committee, tasked with addressing historical mistreatment experienced by the Russell family. The committee aims to report its progress bi-monthly, though concerns were raised about the feasibility of fulfilling its mandate within the allotted timeframe.