Peter D. Caruso

The committee reviewed invoices for services provided by the OPM and DRA teams and confirmed the current status of the project budget. A high-level schedule was presented, detailing the submission of the Preliminary School Report and the upcoming schematic design phase. The committee also discussed the necessity of reallocating budget funds between project line items to align with executed contract values and approved a Budget Revision Request to formalize these adjustments for MSBA records.

The committee meeting addressed several key topics including public concerns regarding the implementation of cursive writing in the school curriculum, the recognition of an educator for promising educational practices, updates on the school building project involving new construction plans and community outreach, and the status of the water system improvement project, including the timeline for system activation and ongoing bottled water provisions.

The meeting included an update from the student body president regarding school sports and community service projects. The committee approved the 2026-2027 school calendar and the 2026-2027 school committee calendar. A motion was passed to proceed with the superintendent appointment and negotiations for the Blackstone Millville Regional School District. Additionally, updates were provided on the well water system restoration and the preferred schematic report for the school building project. The committee also approved amendments to the middle school pathway exploration policy regarding the sharing of student information for career and technical education outreach and discussed new language concerning staff participation in raffles and games of chance.

The meeting included a water quality update regarding a pilot study at the school, noting that bottled water will continue to be provided for drinking and cooking. Additionally, a public hearing was held for the presentation of the FY27 budget, which covered strategic plan goals, student enrollment demographics, and driving factors for the budget, such as increases in health insurance, tuition costs, and facility maintenance requirements.

The committee discussed several key topics including the approval of monthly invoices and an update regarding the recent approval of the project's PSR submission by the MSBA, which moves the project into the schematic design phase. The committee also reviewed and compared two project delivery methods: design bid build and construction manager at risk, including their respective qualification processes, cost implications, and the role of the committee in selecting the best approach for the district.