Newfields planning group narrows bond talking points, sets outreach and hearing schedule
Summary
A Newfields School District planning group reviewed updated concept plans and cost estimates for a proposed school safety bond, assigned outreach to town boards and first responders, and agreed on a schedule of public meetings ahead of a January bond hearing and a March vote.
Members of a Newfields School District planning group reviewed updated concept drawings and vendor estimates on a proposed school safety bond and set a public outreach schedule leading up to a January bond hearing and a March town vote. Speaker 1, a committee member leading the presentation, said the documents are still concepts intended to produce budget-level numbers and that final construction plans will be completed after the bond process.
The committee emphasized clear, consistent public messaging and assigned volunteers to meet individually with police, fire, the select board, planning and conservation committees, the PTO, faculty and neighborhood groups. Speaker 1 said she will compile a spreadsheet of who will contact which stakeholder groups and asked TF Moran to update the site drawings to show green areas and pedestrian paths for use in community sessions.
Why it matters: The group is preparing both technical cost estimates and simplified outreach materials so voters can evaluate a bond question this spring. Members argued that having coordinated talking points and at least one well-marketed community forum will be essential: a bond failed last year by one vote, and organizers said turnout at the deliberative session and on Election Day can decide the outcome.
Key details: Speakers recommended producing two public-facing formats: a simplified, colored ‘cartoon’ site graphic for quick understanding and a detailed sheet for residents seeking precise numbers. The group discussed interest-rate assumptions for illustrative tax impacts and agreed to settle on a single, consistent bond figure in their public materials. Speaker 2 suggested framing the tax effect as an approachable figure—"about a $100 per year" for a typical property—so residents can grasp the order of magnitude without wading into technical schedules.
Next steps: The planning group scheduled outreach to town boards and first responders to be completed by mid-December, proposed community informational meetings in January and February, and identified the board’s January bond hearing and a March town vote as the key procedural milestones. Speaker 1 said she will verify financial assumptions with the SAU chief financial officer and check bond mechanics with staff before materials are released.
