During the recent Lakeville Select Board meeting held on September 9, 2025, key discussions centered around water supply issues and changes to the student admissions process for vocational education. These topics are critical for the community as they directly impact public safety and educational opportunities.

One of the primary concerns raised was the town's reliance on a single well for its water supply, which poses risks for both redundancy and fire protection. Officials discussed plans to connect with Middleborough for additional water resources, emphasizing the urgency of this project to ensure a reliable water supply for residents and emergency services.

In addition to water supply discussions, the meeting addressed significant changes to the admissions process for vocational schools. Historically, students applied based on a set of criteria, including attendance and academic performance. However, the state has mandated a shift to a lottery-based system for admissions. This change raises concerns about predictability in student enrollment from various municipalities, as the random nature of the lottery could lead to fluctuations in student numbers.

Superintendent insights highlighted the potential impact of this new system on local towns. The proposed approach includes using a three-year average of student enrollment to guide lottery allocations, which could help stabilize the number of students from each town. This pilot program aims to balance accessibility with predictability, allowing for a more equitable distribution of educational opportunities.

The meeting also touched on the anticipated increase in student enrollment should a new school building be approved. An estimated 200 additional students could be integrated over four years, with each member town sharing the increase to avoid overwhelming any single community.

Overall, the discussions at the Lakeville Select Board meeting reflect ongoing efforts to address critical infrastructure needs and adapt to changing educational policies. As these initiatives progress, community members will be kept informed to ensure their voices are heard in shaping the future of Lakeville's resources and educational landscape.