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Peasley building communications subcommittee reviews survey results and finalizes outreach plan ahead of May forum
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Summary
The Peasley Building Communications Subcommittee reviewed live survey results (404 responses), discussed outreach tactics including QR codes, a potential dedicated project website, and a late-May/early-June community forum. The group approved minutes, planned targeted communications, and agreed next steps for materials and scheduling.
The Peasley Building Communications Subcommittee met April 30 to review feedback from a recent public forum and live survey and to finalize outreach and scheduling ahead of a decision window in late May to early June.
Chair Kelly opened the meeting and the subcommittee approved the April 16 minutes. Greg Martineau, superintendent, reported the survey had "404 responses right now," noting many respondents were parent/guardians or alumni and that the largest demographic bar was ages 40–49. Martineau said the dashboard is live and will update as new responses arrive; the subcommittee agreed he would share the dashboard and preliminary results with members.
Kelly summarized open-forum takeaways and urged communications to remain neutral: "we just have to be conscious and aware that we're not trying to sell one idea at this point," she said, stressing materials should present factual information about the Peaslee options rather than advocate for consolidation or neighborhood-school models. Several members said portions of the existing Flansburg presentation appeared biased toward consolidation; the group proposed producing a concise, high-quality webinar or screencast and/or commissioning a new recorded presentation to ensure balanced visuals and narration.
The committee discussed outreach tactics to broaden participation. Suggestions included posting QR-code flyers and yard signs at schools, using the town's electronic DPW signage to direct residents to the survey, creating a simple packet or handout (pros/cons) for in-person forums, and pursuing a postcard mailer to reach different demographics. Mary Coakley suggested yard signs and school-based placements; Sean Bevan noted the DPW electronic boards can reach motorists and non-emailing residents. The group also discussed using district communications tools such as ParentSquare and community channels like the "All Things Northborough" Facebook page.
Members debated whether to host materials on the town website or create a dedicated project site. Benefits of a standalone site included clearer visuals and a memorable URL, while the town page would ensure factual content is preserved. The subcommittee agreed to raise the question with the full committee and to add a clearer timeline and acronym glossary on whichever site is used.
On scheduling, members discussed holding the next community forum in the last week of May or the first week of June, noting June 16 would likely be too late if a committee decision is required in early June. The high school auditorium was proposed as a likely venue; the group also discussed short in-person tours of Peaslee for residents prior to the forum.
Communications deliverables identified for the next round of work included an updated flyer, a postcard mockup, a Facebook post with a call to action, and an email sign-up option so residents can receive updates. The committee also agreed to extract frequently asked questions from the survey responses and to include a quick pros-and-cons handout at upcoming outreach events.
The subcommittee discussed logistics and costs for printed mailers and agreed to research bulk-mail pricing and funding sources (feasibility fund or town budget) in coordination with town staff. The meeting concluded with a plan to reconvene with the full committee and to finalize outreach materials and forum timing. Erica Hall moved to adjourn and Chair Kelly seconded; a roll-call vote was recorded and the meeting adjourned at 8:15 a.m.
Votes at a glance • Motion to approve April 16 meeting minutes — moved by Erica Hall, seconded by Kelly (chair); recorded as passed unanimously. • Motion to adjourn — moved by Erica Hall, seconded by Kelly (chair); recorded as passed unanimously.
Next steps: staff will share the live survey dashboard, draft the outreach deliverables (flyer/postcard/social post), coordinate potential Peaslee site tours, and return to the full committee with website options and cost estimates for any mailings.
