Select Board and school committee debate which school options to study and timing of a special town meeting
Summary
The Select Board discussed funding feasibility studies for multiple school‑facility options, including a proposed 'b2' Finn expansion, and debated holding a special town meeting in early March 2026 (penciled dates March 7 or March 14). An OPM estimate cited an approximate $1 million cost to study three options to schematic design.
The Select Board continued a detailed discussion about next steps for Neary School and broader school‑facility planning on Nov. 18, focusing on which options should be studied and whether a special town meeting should be scheduled in early March 2026.
Board member Tim urged that the 'b2' option — a Finn expansion to serve pre‑K through grade 2 combined with moving grades 5–8 to another school — be included among feasibility studies so the town can settle whether existing footprints can accommodate different configurations. Tim said studying that option would resolve lingering questions about whether fifth grade could be moved and whether existing space could be adapted.
Select Board members and staff discussed cost estimates and tradeoffs. Board members reported an OPM estimate that studying three options to schematic design could cost about $1 million (roughly $250k–$350k per option). Members debated whether to run a public survey without cost figures or to present costed options to residents; some argued cost information is critical because prior votes were driven heavily by perceived cost and site concerns.
Demographic data presented by staff indicated no immediate enrollment pressure that forces an urgent, multi‑option decision in the next five years; board members nevertheless said Neary’s poor condition (roof concerns) requires at least short‑term action. The board discussed logistics for a special town meeting that would appropriate feasibility funding and considered weekend versus weeknight timing, with several members favoring a Saturday in early March so more parents and daytime‑drivers could attend. The board penciled in Saturday, March 7 as a candidate date but did not finalize a warrant or appropriation.
Next steps: the board and school committee will refine which options to place on the warrant for feasibility‑study funding, clarify estimated study costs and timelines, discuss public engagement strategy (survey vs. education campaign), and return with a proposal ahead of the December joint meeting and the special‑meeting window.
