Medford subcommittee refines capital plan, seeks clarity on funding shifts and facility repairs

The Medford Public Schools strategic and capital planning subcommittee on Dec. 8 reviewed progress on district facility projects, sought documentation for recent budget shifts and free-cash allocations, and voted to place a revised capital plan on the next school committee agenda.

Committee members pressed staff for specifics about several ongoing projects. Facilities staff said the districtwide security upgrade with vendor Cybercom (Motorola equipment) is nearly complete at the high school — "they have completed probably 95% of the work at the high school," staff said — with device installation and user training continuing and full completion expected in mid-January. Staff said elementary buildings have wiring in place but device installation is still needed; the elementaries were described as roughly "50% done."

On the freight elevator at Medford High School, staff reported the motor has been replaced but additional parts and inspections remain before the elevator can be certified. "Elevators…