[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6076157,"mediaKeyId","2973033-f904df519fea3e867f5d406b056e5114","parentId",2973033,"title","After March 25 crossing incident, FRA and MBTA review clears systems; district adds training, monitoring and outreach on bus routes","audioSeconds",122,"startMs",2583000,"endMs",2705000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2973033-f904df519fea3e867f5d406b056e5114&start=2583&end=2705","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2973033-f904df519fea3e867f5d406b056e5114/thumbnail_2583000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6076157/Massachusetts/After-March-25-crossing-incident-FRA-and-MBTA-review-clears-systems-district-adds-training-monitoring-and-outreach-on-bus-routes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076157-a1e954da4895ebe6d7d5052de262cf8c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770587896&Signature=Z5X~eoRnOaF0-V4AFVntpkpMq-KKF2X5leTahxeaYx0AbxQEx~LoLYHoPEk8k4wdkzDWPAPwtmWvA9sfUfUtRV5kz9moNar2u9Qa-YNcUmcatT8~nk94vqzCG-C~88jEEGWzF5i2VOdNsKOKVBmhWF4PQXUwSHqYsg2TjUqwZ6qcpgJmqRLtKVv6AdAVtWhJDrkKG5bpOrJREkA9YgpDjU9QMmyAPJgB7dLuQmR9HqoQ2MpsDiQ4yzDOaFPLE3LdYeND~dFFQ3gWMrlyZx32aA4MkYV9DSW1d3UuPAPylsu4zKwV4-9efgRhIqdOPbSQeE5V32Y4lAviAJsisdVJTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District, MA","date","2025-04-12T00:00:00Z","article","The district provided an update on a March 25 bus-rail crossing incident and said federal and state investigators found that rail systems met relevant federal requirements and that the bus driver made decisions intended to protect students.

Why it matters: The incident raised safety concerns because commuter-rail trains now pass through parts of the district. The district said it has committed to ongoing monitoring, additional driver training and new partnerships to reduce risk and improve communication with families.

Investigations and findings: District staff reported that the Federal Railroad Administration interviewed involved parties, reviewed bus video and MBTA video, and found the MBTA and railroad systems functioned as expected under federal regulations. The district said the bus driver acted to protect student safety.

Actions taken: The district said it has increased oversight and training: First Student (the bus contractor) will provide additional training for drivers through its trainer Kilios Commuter Services; the district plans periodic administrative ride-alongs with drivers; the district also receives a daily call from First Student about route performance.

Crossing sightlines and responsibilities: District staff raised clearing of sightlines at crossings as a shared responsibility; the MBTA and MassDOT representatives told the group they met obligations for clearing areas they are responsible for, and the district asked property owners and towns to help keep sightlines clear where allowed.

Route delays and parent communications: The administration presented route efficiency work by First Student that identified potential time savings on multiple routes. After reviewing routes with district staff and principals, the district said changes will require careful, door‑by‑door evaluation because removing or consolidating stops can increase student walk distances by up to half or three‑quarters of a mile for some students. The district said it will not adopt disruptive stop changes immediately and will continue to monitor daily, but staff will revisit routes and consider an app or communications tool to notify parents of delays. Principals currently communicate when buses are late and the district will follow up to ensure consistent messaging.

Driver shortages and start times: The district cited driver shortages, substitute drivers and school start times among the main contributors to delays. A discussion noted that start times may be covered by collective bargaining provisions and cannot be changed unilaterally; the district will explore options but made no immediate route or start‑time changes.

Ending: The district committed to continued monitoring, additional driver training in partnership with MBTA and First Student, and follow-up work on parent communication tools and route refinements; no immediate service changes were implemented at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Freetown-Lakeville Regional School Committee, 4-9-25","oneSentenceSummary","District officials said a Federal Railroad Administration review found the MBTA and railroad systems met federal requirements after a March 25 bus-rail incident; the district is strengthening driver training, monitoring routes and improving communication with families.","taxTitle","Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",71628,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6076162,"Freetown Elementary walkway plan: town-funded concrete, tree removal, ADA ramps proposed; estimate ~$155,000",315,2000000,2315000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2973033-f904df519fea3e867f5d406b056e5114&start=2000&end=2315","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2973033-f904df519fea3e867f5d406b056e5114/thumbnail_2000000.jpg","/articles/6076162/Massachusetts/Freetown-Elementary-walkway-plan-town-funded-concrete-tree-removal-ADA-ramps-proposed-estimate-155000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076162-d83d4bdb9f64cc5864f08ee02ac248e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770587896&Signature=KZqFkxls1EFDMxH-fFmvOKmyudl3aDy-rztP-jbOw-SqXUbjzvMiU4bPped1pV0yvIC~5WVbZw3N53Rdf0lBgpxkzzpjKCQDAD6Ax0X4EUvkyyNJDEOeTZB7p66iflALigGUnmL4mOViMZjEF4jVDc3sTfTOStfLxgZzZAYTR-smrBsXkz7uSBy5PQYMZGc38HRfY6Fwk4k~FyfzHgQt~lnPUC9Zkmki1qbgqL0w70jwkXCnqfTV5XtwXJaWZRUiF1s0L9sNMmydXLUmAAEBv2D9U7rqacum7dQujeUSDDIAGPD9FDevOQJHc2JfHD~GZsaDjsSSc8t77aK8QO22qg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Freetown elementary officials and GPI engineers described a proposal to remove deteriorating brick walkways and failing low retaining walls at the school’s main entrance and replace them with new concrete surfaces, leveled areas and updated wheelchair ramps to meet ADA standards.

Why it matters: The existing brick walkway and adjacent walls are showing settlement and displacement that the presenter said are creating trip hazards and ongoing maintenance costs. The plan would mitigate safety risks, address non-compliant ramps, and produce a larger, leveled area outside the school entrance for future use.

What was presented: Jim Noyce of the engineering group (GPI) said the project would remove tens of square feet of brick and replace worn concrete walkways. The design includes leveling two raised mounds near the entrance, removing several trees whose roots are pushing on walls, and reconstructing about 12,700 square feet of concrete area. The plan also calls for making four wheelchair ramps ADA-compliant.

Cost and timeline: The presenter offered a conservative, preliminary cost estimate near $155,000 and noted the estimate could be refined once final plans and bids are ready. The engineer said the town of Freetown has agreed to remove the trees and do initial site prep; the district and town plan to advertise for bids at the end of April, receive bids in May, and start construction after school ends in June with work expected to run through July and early August to avoid interfering with instruction.

Funding and roles: The presenter said the town of Freetown is leading the capital project and would provide funding; the district will coordinate with facilities staff. The design work remains in draft-stamped plans pending finalization and bid-ready documents.

Accessibility and materials: GPI showed three surface finish options, ranging from a plain finish to broom/faced patterns; the presenter recommended the middle (broom finish) but said the committee should decide. He reiterated the importance of making all ramps ADA compliant at the time of construction.

Questions and clarifications: Committee members asked whether adjacent concrete sections would be matched color/finish; the presenter said much of that paving is in good shape and the plan is to leave sound sections in place to limit cost. Committee members also requested final, stamped plans and a refined bid estimate before award.

Ending: The project moves next to finalizing plans and soliciting bids; the town’s removal of trees and initial site work was already committed, and the district expects a contractor to begin work after school recess in late June or July.","Engineers presented plans to remove failing brick walkways and low walls at Freetown Elementary, replace them with new concrete and fix four non‑compliant wheelchair ramps. The town of Freetown would lead and fund the capital work; an initial conservative cost estimate of roughly $155,000 was presented.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6076167,"Freetown-Lakeville school committee elects Jen Blum chair, names officers and subcommittees; adopts FY26 budget after split votes",3445,217000,3662000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2973033-f904df519fea3e867f5d406b056e5114&start=217&end=3662","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2973033-f904df519fea3e867f5d406b056e5114/thumbnail_217000.jpg","/articles/6076167/Massachusetts/Freetown-Lakeville-school-committee-elects-Jen-Blum-chair-names-officers-and-subcommittees-adopts-FY26-budget-after-split-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076167-b6fb49e8cb4c823801b212024d961ad5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770587896&Signature=NT16MY5hx5SapVoM9hSNkk-ciewYDgWufbM2PTce6MgEb7Jd0SsMF3NFaYXanFgRAjWDoNOoG8zBtnkQVPkAkHRZx-hKEfTFJ6TSjXQAjsBkmeiOV-wIffLK-qQKjrhjxRjzjFcUtcs-mFACXobqLBzVdWsEK3uCP~0~QvITxJTsmHpQJUmKfEo~~DRwM4dP7oTckTg~yvThvcE7ilvCEdrKqT-fx5YqFVsbMOq9oEg4MwwGM8mvKxKxYLh0ojptUTlS-YQRNl6Ia0p394sDbUAOQ8ksdfcwIlNI5LQYvFsQn~cYs4QEPo5UeuGjjAJQYZzSstN0t0Qchs9RZiH23g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Freetown-Lakeville Regional School Committee on April 9 reorganized its leadership following recent elections and approved a slate of subcommittee assignments and budget items in a meeting that included several roll-call votes.

The committee elected Jen Blum as chair and named Steve Sylvia vice chair, Courtney Brightman secretary, Crystal Ng treasurer and Timothy Emery district clerk. The committee also approved a slate of subcommittee assignments and several routine business items, including minutes, payroll warrants and an accepted donation from the local VFW chapter.

Why it matters: The reorganization establishes the committee’s leadership and membership on standing committees as the district prepares for budget season, negotiations and summer projects. The committee’s budget vote also sets the paperwork the towns will receive ahead of town meetings.

Election and officers: The committee nominated and voted by roll call to elect Jen Blum as chair. The committee then voted by roll call to appoint Steve Sylvia as vice chair, Courtney Brightman as secretary, Crystal Ng as treasurer and Timothy Emery as district clerk. The clerk/administrative staff called roll for each election.

Subcommittees and appointments: The committee confirmed membership for warrant signing, policy, collective bargaining, superintendent evaluation, regional finance, MASC conference delegates, wellness, capital and other subcommittees. The list read into the record and approved by motion included members from both Freetown and Lakeville; the committee approved the full slate in one omnibus motion.

Budget votes: Superintendent and finance staff presented a FY26 total budget figure and supporting materials. The committee took separate roll-call votes on the salary portion and the non-salary portion of the FY26 budget. Both parts were adopted by roll-call vote as recorded at the meeting; the committee discussed using the district’s excess and deficiency (E&D) account later this spring as an amendment if additional state or federal funds are available. Members emphasized continuing work to evaluate whether E&D or a future amendment should be used to relieve pressure on town assessments.

Other formal actions: The committee voted to accept the open-session minutes from March 26, approved payroll warrants for April 2, and accepted a donation of 23 books from the Freetown VFW for use by ARHS students. The committee also voted to approve and withhold release of executive-session minutes from March 26 until collective bargaining concludes.

What’s next: The committee asked the superintendent’s office to draft proposed language and dollar scenarios for an E&D amendment so members can consider changes at an upcoming meeting before budgets are finalized with the towns.

Votes at a glance (selected items recorded on the public record):
- Motion: Move reorganization ahead of executive session — Outcome: Approved (roll call: Yes — Steve Sylvia, Crystal Ng, Courtney Brightman, Melinda Richards, Timothy Emery; No — Jen Blum, Bob Clark; Chair announced the motion carried).
- Motion: Elect Jen Blum chair — Outcome: Approved (roll-call recorded as affirmative from voting members present; chair announced Jen Blum elected).
- Motion: Elect Steve Sylvia vice chair — Outcome: Approved (roll-call recorded affirmative).
- Motion: Elect Courtney Brightman secretary — Outcome: Approved (roll-call recorded affirmative).
- Motion: Elect Timothy Emery district clerk — Outcome: Approved (roll-call recorded affirmative).
- Motion: Keep Crystal Ng as treasurer — Outcome: Approved (roll-call recorded affirmative).
- Motion: Approve listed subcommittee memberships (omnibus) — Outcome: Approved (motion carried by roll call).
- Motion: Adopt FY26 salary portion as presented — Outcome: Approved by roll-call vote as recorded in meeting minutes.
- Motion: Adopt FY26 non-salary portion as presented — Outcome: Approved by roll-call vote as recorded in meeting minutes.
- Motion: Accept donation of 23 books from the Freetown VFW — Outcome: Approved (roll call).
- Motion: Approve payroll warrants for 04/02/2025 — Outcome: Approved (voice/roll call per record).
- Motion: Approve and withhold release of executive-session minutes (03/26/2025) until collective bargaining complete — Outcome: Approved (roll call).

Committee discussion and context: The budget discussion included public and member comments about the district’s limited Chapter 70 increases from the state, the impact of rising costs and the potential to use E&D as a temporary tool. Several members expressed concern about timing and asked staff to prepare amendment scenarios for a future meeting. Members also discussed the mechanical and logistical workload of moving officer responsibilities (signatures, transfers) when officers change.

Meeting context: The reorganization took place at the start of the public session after an executive-session motion had been made and withdrawn to allow the reorganization to occur first. The committee repeatedly used roll-call votes for officer elections and budget items. New members Melinda Richards and Timothy Emery were sworn in and participated in the reorganization votes.

Ending: Committee leadership and subcommittees are in place going into the spring; members directed the superintendent’s office to return with E&D amendment language and dollar scenarios at an upcoming meeting so the committee can consider options before town budgets are finalized.","At its April 9 meeting the Freetown-Lakeville Regional School Committee reorganized following the recent election, approving a slate of officers and subcommittee assignments and adopting the FY26 budget after separate roll-call votes on salary and non-salary portions.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6076152,"District seeks $12,000 engineering study for Grayspool; earmark conversations underway",48,3467000,3515000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2973033-f904df519fea3e867f5d406b056e5114&start=3467&end=3515","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2973033-f904df519fea3e867f5d406b056e5114/thumbnail_3467000.jpg","/articles/6076152/Massachusetts/District-seeks-12000-engineering-study-for-Grayspool-earmark-conversations-underway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076152-2b6d17ca12b2fa00ade187305d376e00/orig.mp4?Expires=1770587896&Signature=V7ECphv5jn1X77bwMdmLsDc00LGAL4~HZnGP9n4mr1aHNI2MyOv5DRhjcZurS1P1zQ~4yji7grbUI1jm-dQ7NB9dEnVMo9Dnyie21McqAxhEdHDiQWGKsS1JEwMTVsFvDmtieYwygRVjIrs7WP7xwN8VJgq-eEZBwHruB0CYcNl7vBsi9r0ag2vkNlP5tUuKGSh4wJtez0qkEhurBbvsqp2spFk8LXgsdeONsxwtU0mC2C3j~K4H5nABeqcPNzXt6Y0aSBbdLskpZ7vXIBPsxRJcbxw2jDTuVKWc1T~Stf33MzQJTjycg2UMd8~7xfHtJw8r426Q~FpxSo76SSO-7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff updated the committee on a proposed Grayspool engineering study estimated at $12,000 and reported preliminary conversations with a state senator’s office about an earmark to cover the cost.

Why it matters: The study is intended to establish a baseline engineering assessment for an aging pool and to provide a cost estimate and options for repair or replacement. A funded study would be the next step to determine the scale and cost of future capital work.

Details: The cost for the engineering study was presented as $12,000. Staff said they had discussed a possible earmark with the senator’s office; the conversations were preliminary and not yet a confirmed funding source. If the earmark does not materialize, district staff said they will return with options to the committee that could include using district funds.

Questions and next steps: Committee members asked about timing and the study’s timeline; staff said they will move quickly on the study if funding is secured and will return to the committee with results and cost estimates for potential construction phases.

Ending: The committee directed staff to continue pursuing external funding and to report back if the earmark is received or if the district needs to consider an alternative funding source.","The committee heard that an engineering study for the Grayspool pool would cost $12,000. Staff said they have started preliminary discussions with a state senator’s office about a possible earmark to fund the study; if the earmark is unavailable the committee may fund the study from district resources.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

After March 25 crossing incident, FRA and MBTA review clears systems; district adds training, monitoring and outreach on bus routes

Freetown Elementary walkway plan: town-funded concrete, tree removal, ADA ramps proposed; estimate ~$155,000

Freetown-Lakeville school committee elects Jen Blum chair, names officers and subcommittees; adopts FY26 budget after split votes

District seeks $12,000 engineering study for Grayspool; earmark conversations underway