During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the funding and planning of a new high school project, with a focus on budget management and community concerns. The approved budget for the high school stands at approximately $123 million, with a total project budget target of $186 million, which includes a tax impact projection. The committee emphasized the importance of prioritizing alternate projects based on this budget, as they will need to sequence and select which alternates to implement as construction progresses.

Concerns were raised regarding the maintenance of the new building, particularly about the potential for staining on brick surfaces, similar to issues observed at the existing Rockwell Elementary School. Experts indicated that while staining is a common issue due to the chemical composition of bricks, it can be managed through regular maintenance.

A committee member expressed gratitude to community members for their involvement in the project, highlighting the importance of responsible financial management in light of new information that emerged after the initial referendum approval. The member underscored the need for the school committee to be accountable to taxpayers, especially considering that a significant portion of the community did not support the project.

As the project moves forward, the committee is tasked with balancing community expectations and fiscal responsibility, ensuring that the final expenditures align closely with the approved budget while addressing the needs of the schools and the community at large.