Jennifer D'Amico

This special meeting focused on the School Facilities/Campus Revitalization initiative. The key discussion involved a presentation by SLAM Collaborative (Phase Two) detailing the comparison between building a new facility versus renovating the existing structure to meet new standards. The presenters reviewed the methodology, including the basis on the 2024 educational specifications (EDSPEC) and updated 2025 enrollment projections (554 students). A critical part of the discussion concerned the net-to-gross ratio in the EDSPEC, which was deemed too high (77%); adjustments were made to exclude certain spaces like the MDF and building services from net square footage calculations to achieve a more realistic ratio (62% to 64%), resulting in an estimated gross square footage of approximately 122,630 square feet. The session also covered the grant application schedule, the state's eligibility factor calculations based on allowable area derived from enrollment, and the required next steps for board review and question formulation.

The committee received an update on facilities and grounds maintenance, specifically detailing a major, four-plus-day repair operation necessitated by a complete backup in the main underground drainage pipe running beneath the annex building, possibly caused by frost heave or ground movement. A new, oversized main line was installed to resolve this, and the committee was informed that the cost responsibility sharing with the town is yet to be determined. The facilities update also confirmed the campus successfully navigated an arctic blast without frozen piping issues. Further discussion focused on ongoing septic system performance issues affecting the high school and middle school's connection to the plant, with the service provider engaging external consultants to identify the root cause. Regarding the financial update, the end-of-year projection remains unchanged pending further department planning data. Major capital discussions centered on funding the Northhouse HVAC and roofing projects, with the Board of Selectmen recommending funding from the general fund, which may cause the fund balance to drop below the 20% floor policy, leading to continued discussions with the Board of Finance.

The key discussion centered on the radio infrastructure project, which involved reviewing and revising an eight-page proposal from Norcom Connecticut to ensure future-proofing and compatibility. The director reported that after negotiation, the vendor agreed to all proposed changes, and the project is proceeding with an expected completion by early August or September of the following year. Updates were provided on the specifications of the new radios, including the deployment of ten Motorola Ions with video capability for key personnel and numerous R5 models for general staff, along with dedicated crisis team channels. The structure of the new system ensures that each school functions as an independent island for local communication, while providing access to district-wide security channels. Furthermore, the system is designed with UPS battery backups and generator tie-ins to maintain emergency communication during power outages. A brief mention was made of the EMS department donating surplus radios to the athletic department. Finally, the committee began a high-level discussion on the update to the burglar alarm monitoring equipment, noting the switch from Security 101 to Omni Data.

The special meeting, which served as a Budget Workshop, focused primarily on the Capital Budget for the 2026-2027 school year, following previous discussions on the operating budget. Key capital priorities discussed included the essential radio upgrade, which requires collaboration with the town and has a long lead time; paving and site work at the elementary school; turf replacement for lower fields, funded partially by a new sinking fund established with the town; district-wide energy efficiency measures, specifically controller upgrades and the HVAC replacement for the Central Office due to aging refrigerant systems, and the South House boiler replacement. Other discussed items included district-wide duct cleaning rotation, flexible furniture purchases for middle and high schools, digital clock replacements, and the purchase of an aerial lift. A significant update involved the North House HVAC system upgrade project, which has faced funding hurdles and timeline issues with municipal boards, currently paused pending secure funding after grant changes.

The primary focus of the meeting was a grievance hearing concerning a custodian, Mr. Thomas Simono (represented by Council 1303-110 of ASME), who is currently undergoing medical treatment and recovery following multiple surgeries resulting from a workers' compensation injury sustained while on duty. The evidentiary portion of the hearing was held in open session, providing an opportunity for the association and the administration to present arguments. Mr. Simono expressed his commitment to the school district over his 22 years of service and his desire to return to work, noting that he offered to perform light duty tasks while continuing medical recovery. He stated that he has not yet reached maximum medical improvement and is still under a doctor's care, specifically mentioning recent neck surgery involving a plate and ongoing physical therapy. The union representative argued that the employee should be allowed to complete his healing process before a final decision is made regarding his employment status, stating the employee never requested indefinite leave. Board members inquired about the specific medical diagnoses and prognoses to which Mr. Simono was willing to respond within his comfort level.