Holden parent raises safety concerns about modular classroom access at Dawson Elementary
Summary
A Holden resident told the committee that modular classroom students must travel outside between modular units and the main building and asked about a previously promised enclosure. The committee agreed to discuss the concern with the superintendent and to track the matter in meeting minutes.
Salvatore Mata, a Holden resident, addressed the committee during an added public‑address period and described a safety and accessibility concern for his fourth‑grade child who uses modular classrooms at Dawson Elementary.
Mata said students must walk outside on an uncovered ramp between modular classrooms and the main school building for specials, library and restroom breaks. "There's no connection between these modular classrooms to the school," he said, and he described situations in inclement weather and times when the staff member monitoring the modular area is performing other duties.
Mata said he understood the town had committed to building an enclosure to connect the modular units with the main building and asked for clarity about the plan and timeline to fix the issue. The chair acknowledged the comment, said the administration would discuss the matter with the superintendent and confirmed the matter would be tracked in the meeting minutes.
The committee did not resolve the issue during the meeting; the chair said he would discuss next steps with the superintendent and the administration, and a member requested the chair and administration consider providing a report at a future meeting.
