School leaders presented the high‑school stadium renovation and track/field surface change to the Select Board on Dec. 17, reporting the school committee voted Dec. 16 to change the previously proposed grass and asphalt surfaces to artificial turf and a polyurethane track.

Superintendent Beth Hallett said the change responds to heavy field use, safety concerns and inability to maintain grass for the number of events hosted: "We have had officials tell us that it is not, safe." Martin (CFO) and staff described an anticipated procurement timeline: if the article is approved in spring, the town would seek an Owner’s Project Manager, go to bid in roughly three months and expect final pricing by April 15, with construction beginning after the school year if voters approve the funding.

During extended public comment more than a dozen students, parents, coaches and residents supported placing the project on the 2026 Town Meeting warrant for voter consideration. Supporters cited injuries on uneven fields, ADA noncompliance of current bleachers and the number of student signatories: "More than 300 students at the high school signed a student‑led petition advocating for safe, functional athletic facilities," a speaker told the board.

Concerns raised during the meeting included product safety questions (PFAS and microplastics) and whether expert reports were industry funded. Superintendent Hallett said the district engaged Weston & Sampson, an independent environmental firm, to review turf material risks and noted the team included a toxicologist. The board requested the final cost estimate, OPM procurement plan and a phasing timeline before placing an article on the warrant.

Why it matters: the stadium project includes both facility improvements (bleachers, restrooms, booster building and field house) and a surface decision that affects player safety, accessibility and long‑term maintenance. If placed on the warrant as a debt exclusion, the project would affect residential tax bills and require voter approval at both Town Meeting and the ballot as described by staff.

Next steps: staff will seek OPM bids, refine cost estimates and return to the board with a timeline; the Select Board noted it wants a final number and outreach plan prior to voting on whether to include an article on the warrant.