Board sets hearing on purchase of 2 Farms Village Road to house in‑district therapeutic school program

The Board of Finance on Jan. 21 voted unanimously to set a public hearing for Feb. 18 on the town’s proposed purchase of property at 2 Farms Village Road as the site for an in‑district therapeutic program for students with complex emotional disabilities.

The board’s action set a public hearing to consider a supplemental appropriation not to exceed $1,000,000 (the Board of Selectmen previously authorized a not‑to‑exceed $1,000,000 appropriation to move the purchase toward contract). Presenters from the Board of Education and finance staff told the board the full cost of purchase plus renovations and start‑up is currently estimated at about $1.6 million; the Selectmen have negotiated a purchase price of $6.25 (thousand? — see clarifying details) and are discussing pre‑closing renovation work by the seller. The presenters said some renovation items are still being negotiated and that final contract details will be shared at the public hearing.

Why it matters: The Board of Education is proposing an in‑district, clinically supported program to reduce the town’s growing out‑of‑district special‑education tuition costs and to educate students closer to home. Presenters said the change could contain rising tuition costs and reduce long‑distance student transportation.

What presenters told the board - Purpose and need: Katie Crystal (director of pupil services, Board of…