Roxbury Village School Committee authorizes up to $2,500 for safety compliance after missed water tests

The Roxbury Village School Committee on July 8 authorized an initial expenditure of up to $2,500 for Vermont Life Safety to begin compliance work at the Roxbury Village School after committee members learned a lapse in required water testing may require more frequent monitoring.

Committee member Kristen Getler explained the building's classification and use changed after ownership moved from the district to the town and said the district failed to continue water testing in the last two quarters while it still owned the building. "Because testing lapsed," she said, the committee faces a compliance penalty that could trigger monthly testing for a year unless the state grants a variance. Getler said she will contact Amanda at the Department of Environmental Conservation to seek a variance and try to coordinate the department's Compliance and Classification divisions.

Judy Lusk raised separate facility concerns about humidity control and keeping doors closed while mini-split systems dehumidify the building. The committee discussed whether the mini-split controls could be added to an app to reduce manual interventions during heat events.

To begin addressing regulatory and safety issues, the committee voted, by recorded motion, to authorize absent member Bob Ketchel to initiate work with Vermont Life Safety up to $2,500; the minutes record the vote as unanimous (5-0-0). The committee noted that any additional work beyond that amount or a contract for ongoing fire monitoring would require further committee approval. Judy Lusk volunteered to obtain a second quote on key/lock work and to notify Lenny of the committee's process and timeline.

The committee scheduled Vermont Life Safety to be on site on July 13 to begin compliance steps. The committee also assigned the finance team to continue tracking costs and to provide a financial report ahead of future meetings.