Subcommittee reviews $1.677 million capital request, plans building walkthroughs and considers tree-planting grant

The subcommittee spent significant time on FY27 capital planning and site visits. Speaker 1 said the school department submitted prioritized capital requests to the town: life-safety projects highest, followed by rolling stock and technology. Speaker 1 presented dollar categories: high priorities of about $676,000, moderate priorities of $476,000, and low priorities of $126,000, for a combined list totaling roughly $1,677,000.

Members discussed timing and mechanics for placing funds on the town warrant. Speaker 2 suggested the subcommittee could sponsor a debt-exclusion warrant article for that portion of the school request if the town’s capital allocation is insufficient, but members agreed they needed a dollar amount and FinCom engagement before town meeting. The group noted the town prints the warrant and that dollar amounts can be added up to the warrant deadline but may require additional explanation at town meeting.

The subcommittee agreed to schedule building walkthroughs across all five school buildings so staff, principals and custodians can identify punch-list and summer work items. Speaker 1 proposed blocking dates (two-hour to multi-hour blocks per building) to observe classrooms and operations while schools are active.

Speaker 2 raised a separate opportunity: the town tree warden is preparing a potential state grant (approximately $75,000) to plant trees in the high school parking terraces. The subcommittee noted concerns about irrigation and post-planting care — custodial/maintenance staff may not have that work in their contract and volunteers or alternate arrangements could be needed. Members placed the tree-grant discussion on the March 3 agenda for fuller review.