During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around urgent facility maintenance needs within the school district, particularly concerning asbestos abatement, wheelchair ramp repairs, and the condition of athletic fields.

Katie Sinclair, the director of facilities, outlined a request for funding to address asbestos issues at Chandler and Alden Schools. While the law mandates maintenance of asbestos rather than its removal, Sinclair emphasized the necessity of complete removal in certain damaged areas, particularly in storage and supply rooms where students do not typically enter.

The meeting also highlighted critical repairs needed for the wheelchair ramp at Chandler School, which has suffered from water damage leading to concrete splitting. Sinclair noted that the ramp's condition poses an ADA compliance issue, necessitating a complete rebuild to ensure safety for students and staff. Additionally, the drainage system associated with the ramp has failed, causing hazardous conditions during winter months.

Concerns were raised about bird nesting at the entrances of Chandler School, where accumulated feces pose health risks. Sinclair proposed implementing bird netting to mitigate this issue, as the current maintenance efforts are insufficient.

Another pressing topic was the deteriorating condition of the softball field at the Steel Complex, which the school department is responsible for maintaining. Sinclair explained that the field requires extensive renovations, including leveling, dirt replacement, and weed remediation. The disparity in maintenance between the softball and baseball fields was noted, with the town managing the latter more effectively due to additional resources.

The meeting also touched on the ongoing roof repairs at Alden School, with materials expected to arrive soon for a project anticipated to last four weeks. Sinclair indicated that this is part of a broader, multi-year plan to address roofing issues across the district, which have been exacerbated by the coastal environment.

Overall, the discussions underscored the urgent need for funding and resources to ensure the safety and functionality of school facilities, highlighting the challenges faced by the district in maintaining its infrastructure amidst limited staffing and budget constraints.