The most compelling topic discussed was the future renovation and utilization of the old high school. With an estimated $70 million price tag, the project demands detailed scrutiny and public involvement. Christopher Thrasher, before leaving due to prior commitments, emphasized the necessity for extensive discourse once the project becomes a warrant article. The committee had already received a presentation from RDB on the matter, but further talks are needed to address outstanding questions.

There appeared to be some confusion regarding the select board’s intentions, as Cindy Brown and Karen Raus noted a lack of clear communication about future steps concerning the old high school. The possibility of a special town meeting to address this issue was left uncertain, prompting Al Lees and Zachary Lebreux to advocate for a joint meeting with the select board and the long-term building committee. The aim is to cultivate a shared understanding and ensure all parties are aligned, particularly considering the substantial fiscal implications for taxpayers.

Concerns were voiced regarding the potential impact on taxpayers, with past assessments showing varied outcomes based on debt exclusions. A consensus emerged to involve Sue Brighten in discussions to elucidate financial implications for residents. Zachary Lebreux also stressed the importance of public engagement, questioning the availability of the old high school study on the town’s website. He suggested that a detailed breakdown of tax implications would clarify financial impacts for property owners, highlighting the need for structured logistics and advanced member questions to streamline discussions.

The future of the Reed Road School and potential relocation of town services to a new community center was another significant topic. Questions arose about which town departments would move and the need for a plan to address vacated buildings. A participant highlighted the high maintenance costs of the current high school, exceeding $300,000 annually.

The long-term building committee was recognized as a potential facilitator for exploring options for vacated buildings, contingent on community support for the new community center. Evan, from the long-term building committee, emphasized the holistic approach taken in the municipal buildings study, urging public review of the online presentation and ongoing engagement.

There was a call for transparency regarding the future use of vacated buildings, especially if taxpayer funding increases were to be supported. Concerns were expressed about previous committees’ lack of foresight, particularly the school building committee’s oversight of space in the administration building. The committee acknowledged that the long-term building committee had not yet addressed the future of properties like the Earl school and the annex, with the latter being in a precarious state.

Discussions on the annex’s future underscored its dilapidated condition and the financial implications of demolition, which could cost approximately a million dollars. The committee debated alternatives, including a potential addition to the town hall to expedite the process compared to a community center project, although no project could realistically begin within six months.