Board hears updates on roof repairs, elevator timeline and expanded school security measures

The board’s buildings and grounds discussion covered several facilities and security items, including roof repair/replacement estimates, an elevator timeline at the high school, and summer security upgrades across buildings.

A buildings-and-grounds speaker summarized a facilities assessment that recommended continued maintenance to extend roofs (Dana Street and the rectory) and noted the wellness center roof “has really deteriorated.” The report cited an approximate $5,000 cost for shingle repairs to make a roof last an additional five years, and an approximate reroof estimate of $36,002.50 to $43,500 for a 3,625-square-foot shingle reroofing at $10–$12 per square foot.

The board discussed grouping several reroofing projects (rectory, garage and wellness center) and presenting budget recommendations at the next work session. One board member said $185,000 had been included in the preliminary budget for building-and-grounds projects, with a contingency available.

Regarding the high school elevator, a staff member reported the replacement part had been ordered and was expected Friday; installation requires about four days and was tentatively scheduled over the Columbus Day holiday weekend.

District security upgrades implemented over the summer include replacement of outdated cameras, additional entry control points for first responders, expanded camera coverage, and continued use of clear backpacks at the elementary level. The district has been operating metal detector screening for grades six through 12 and reported the screening “has been running amazingly” and is expediting student entry. The district also noted deployment of a second SRO (school resource officer) with specific morning routes to support multiple buildings.

Board members asked that roof replacement recommendations and budget details be returned at the next meeting’s work session for possible inclusion on the regular agenda.