Region 15 board tables site‑focus decision, approves Longmeadow roof work and related grant steps
Summary
After extended debate about site options and information needs, the Region 15 Board of Education voted to table a motion narrowing focus on two district sites until January; it did approve moving ahead with Longmeadow Elementary roofing work, grant application steps, and creation of a building committee.
The Regional School District 15 Board on Monday paused a motion that would have formally focused the district on rebuilding two elementary schools on district‑owned sites, citing new information and outstanding technical questions that board members said need to be packaged more clearly for the public.
Board members spent more than an hour debating whether to 'focus' resources on the feasibility committee's recommendation to pursue two new schools on district property or to continue investigating off‑site alternatives such as Roxbury Road and privately owned parcels. Several trustees said they wanted a concise comparison that shows costs, schedule risks and what additional studies would be needed to close any remaining options.
Following discussion, a motion to table the focus decision passed on a roll‑call vote; the board set the item to return at the January board meeting with updated materials. The administration said it will post an expanded FAQ and provide a compact, public‑facing comparison of options and the specific studies required for each.
Separately, the board voted to move forward with an accelerated timeline for the Longmeadow Elementary School roof replacement. Trustees authorized forming a building committee to finalize cost estimates and accepted staff recommendation to prepare schematic drawings and outline specifications. The board also resolved to apply to the state for the roof‑replacement grant that will reimburse a portion of eligible costs.
Administration explained the Longmeadow project estimate and a solar panel option. Estimated project costs were presented with current state reimbursement rates (approximately 49.4% for eligible components); staff noted federal solar tax incentives and energy credits that would shorten the solar payback to roughly three years and could change the net project math. The board authorized staff to finalize numbers and return with award recommendations at the January meeting.
What happens next: the board will receive the updated feasibility comparisons, the expanded FAQ and refined cost estimates before revisiting site‑selection focus in January. For Longmeadow, the building committee will meet quickly in January to complete estimates so that the district may submit required grant paperwork and bid documents on an expedited schedule.
