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Regional district approves up to $265,000 for field repairs, cameras and window laminates
Summary
The Blackstone‑Millville regional school committee approved a not‑to‑exceed $265,000 package to repair athletic fields, finish high‑school surveillance and add window laminates; the administration said funding would come from available E & D funds and the work aims to improve safety and playing conditions.
The Blackstone‑Millville regional school committee voted to approve a package of small capital and safety projects with a working budget not to exceed $265,000.
Superintendent Jason Defalco told the committee the proposal prioritizes immediate fixes to the baseball and softball fields, resurfacing tennis courts if appropriate, repairing the discus fence and completing the high‑school surveillance system. “One of the most effective ways [to buy time in an emergency] is having the window laminates on the glass,” Defalco said, advocating laminates on building entryways and upgrades to the camera system.
The presentation included cost estimates drawn from prior quotes and a recent live quote for cameras: roughly $37,000 for the baseball field, about $69,000 for the softball field, approximately $30,000 to resurface the tennis courts, a $5,000 estimate for discus‑area fence repairs, a $70,000 quote to complete security cameras at the high school and an approximate $20,000 cost to laminate entryway glass. Defalco said those items collectively led the administration to recommend focusing on the baseball/softball work, camera completion and laminates as a near‑term package.
Committee members discussed timing (work should start as soon as possible to preserve next season’s play), whether projects would displace spring teams, and equity concerns for sports such as soccer. Several members asked that athletic scheduling and the history of field use be further reviewed with the athletic director; the administration said the work could begin quickly because teams are not currently using the fields.
On funding, the administration pointed to available E & D funds rolled into this year’s budget as the likely source. The committee amended the motion during floor discussion to set a not‑to‑exceed budget of $265,000, then approved the amended motion by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the transcript.
Next steps include obtaining final contractor estimates, confirming a construction schedule intended to minimize athletic disruption, and returning to the committee with any changes to scope or costs.
