House Education reviews draft school‑closure statute; members debate voter approval, timelines and effects on independent schools

Legislative counsel presented the House Education Committee with a working draft of statutory language meant to govern when a school building may be repurposed or closed, prompting a multi‑hour discussion about process, timelines, and consequences for independent schools.

Saint James of the Office of Legislative Counsel described the draft as "very, very rough," saying it would require numerous policy choices if the committee wanted it to be permanent law. The draft outlines a multi‑step process: a school board must form a steering committee (a public body subject to open‑meetings law), hold multiple public meetings (including in towns that send students to the school), and accept a steering‑committee recommendation. Within a suggested 60‑day window the board would hold either a nonbinding advisory vote or a public survey, and, within the draft's suggested windows (the counsel referenced 90 days and a requirement that a final…