Subcommittee asks superintendent for recommendation on Eveless site and sets timeline for next steps

The facilities subcommittee pressed for a clear path forward on the future of the Eveless site, asking the superintendent to return to the facilities subcommittee with recommendations and a timetable for next steps.

Committee members reiterated that the district currently holds custody of the Eveless (Ellis/Eveless) School property and would only transfer it to the town if the school committee formally determines the building is no longer needed for educational purposes and the town approves such a transfer at town meeting. Jen (speaker 1) said earlier surveys showed “general interest” but also confusion about specific proposals and asked that the superintendent return with a plan rather than a firm recommendation to build.

Members emphasized that any repurposing would likely require a feasibility study to examine the heating system and structural concerns, and they noted that such a study carries its own cost and could lead to a debt-exclusion override if significant work were recommended. Henry (chair) suggested the goal should be a subcommittee recommendation by the May 19 facilities-subcommittee meeting and an update to the full school committee at the May 21 meeting.

“By next year’s town meeting there ought to be some kind of recommendation,” a member said, describing options including returning the property to the town or recommending a renovation plan, but the subcommittee agreed not to rush a funding request for a feasibility study for the current town meeting cycle.

The subcommittee tasked the superintendent with developing next steps and a timeline to present to the facilities subcommittee on May 19 so members could bring a coherent update to the full committee on May 21.