Selectboard schedules joint meeting with school board after dispute over library access and control

An extended portion of the meeting focused on the relationship between the town, the school and the library located in the school building. Several board members described incidents in which the school or supervisory union restricted library access during test periods and said those decisions had caused community friction. One member summarized the legal concern: "That state law does state during school hours, the control of the operations of the property of the school," and board members discussed how that statutory authority affects the town's ability to require hours and access.

Board members debated options including negotiating a memorandum of understanding, leasing parts of the building or clarifying ownership via deed research. Several speakers said the library trustees rely on town budget support but may be constrained by school policies; the board discussed possible remedies such as creating a separate entrance, pursuing an MOU with the school, or hiring legal counsel for deed interpretation. The board asked staff to set up a joint meeting with the school board and to invite trustees and relevant staff; Chair (S5) and others said a joint meeting would help reduce friction and clarify responsibilities.

Speakers also raised concerns about longer‑term implications for the town if the supervisory union controls property and programming, including potential changes to town demographics and school services. The board did not adopt any legal action at the meeting; it set a direction to meet jointly with the school board and to gather relevant documents and statutes for that session.