Select Energy has 'safe-harbored' the proposed solar project and the state Department of Public Utilities issued guidance that may ease National Grid curtailment for small municipal projects. The building committee will wait for a technical model and return in spring with recommendations; final contracts would require school committee approval.
Committee members said the site tour showed dramatic changes and contractors reported the project is roughly 25–30% complete (schedule- and dollar-wise). Exterior metal panels and masonry veneer work will continue through winter under heated tents.
The Michelle Ford Regional High School building committee approved invoices totaling $5,453,736.25, including a large construction invoice of $5,119,308.80; committee members said the invoices align with contract terms and voted to pay as presented.
District officials presented the FY27 five‑year capital plan to member towns, highlighting near‑term safety and infrastructure needs — failing fire‑suppression piping, rotted exterior doors, end‑of‑life network switches and multi‑million‑dollar roof projects — and warned the towns that many projects will require town warrant votes or borrowing.
Committee reviewed advisory recommendations to increase annual contributions into the district’s OPEB asset account to reduce a long‑term $54 million liability; presenters described a staged plan that would increase contributions to $125,000 in FY27 if followed.
The committee approved revisions to competency‑determination (IKFE) and graduation requirements (IKF) as bridge policies aligned with DESE guidance while the state issues permanent rules; both motions passed unanimously.
A June 2025 survey showed high parent satisfaction with student conferences (91–100%) but low awareness and use of the school‑committee website (64 of 119 respondents had not visited); the communication subcommittee proposed reorganizing the site by topic, adding an email subscription and a 'submit a question' widget to improve reach.
The committee unanimously appointed Bridal Biddle to the districts Diversity, Equity, Awareness and Racial Justice (DRJ) advisory committee after reviewing her letter requesting membership and noting prior contributions to policy work.
The school committee voted to approve a hybrid 2026–27 school calendar with selected early-release Wednesdays and Fridays to collect attendance and operational data; the motion passed by voice/hand vote.
District staff reported ongoing elevated manganese traces in the high schools raw and finished water, said fixtures above the limit are shut off, bottled water is available, and longer-term fixes (new wells and a new filtration system) are being installed while the district coordinates with DEP.
