[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6082026,"mediaKeyId","2939521-8016ba7840bb3e94362eb4b54eefba94","parentId",2939521,"title","After railroad crossing incident, district and MBTA conclude systems functioned; training and route reviews underway","audioSeconds",128,"startMs",4822000,"endMs",4950000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2939521-8016ba7840bb3e94362eb4b54eefba94&start=4822&end=4950","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2939521-8016ba7840bb3e94362eb4b54eefba94/thumbnail_4822000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6082026/Massachusetts/After-railroad-crossing-incident-district-and-MBTA-conclude-systems-functioned-training-and-route-reviews-underway","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082026-edd66ce916c4edf924d383b61919ddda/orig.mp4?Expires=1770796620&Signature=IQhcL5ImdUwrGtO4BGO~ISnrlOYekNu-nVxYqwmeU7gaLnOHKSMooyAcL-N1zhkcRn8OuFMomdNOniNmRfkx~fRqvaBc8XjWgrVuCQqZmLZ6-7jfFHn80LAdkF3xMc8~wytq2PbqWxTY~WW6SRg~BzV7u3NAEWuOCJPkSRhzQcS0XFC9xkuMxITt0GRfwrwFk6JsayX4mITN-rbqJcOJ70-YwtyVqkHN~VBAd~O~cpdMCU0D9CsbJ0pBIYlPl0gfYFeXZiCtkOO9DUv1XeGtXRQCt9FgercTok4YOBdYDyV5eMsaPjpBBcbgXwlZ9WSrucZFEMNDKK~dCVMbsROx5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District, MA","date","2025-04-10T00:00:00Z","article","School and transportation officials updated the committee on a March 25 incident in which a school bus and a commuter train interacted at a local crossing. The Federal Railroad Administration reviewed the event, and district officials reported that MBTA and federal reviewers concluded the railroad and MBTA systems were operating within applicable federal regulations and that the bus driver made appropriate safety decisions.

District staff described steps taken since the event: daily operational check-ins with First Student, increased driver training in partnership with Kilios Commuter Services and the MBTA, periodic central-office staff rides on buses to observe operations, and requests to town property owners to keep sight lines clear near crossings. The district has forged training partnerships among First Student, the MBTA and district operations staff.

Separately, First Student produced a route-efficiency analysis identifying routes that could reduce ride time, mileage and stop counts; staff said they asked the vendor to focus on routes 2, 7, 10, 13, 15 and 19 initially. District staff cautioned that some suggested stop changes would add walking distance for students and that driver shortages and substitute drivers make frequent stop changes impractical at present. Parents asked about a real-time tracking app; the district said it piloted an app previously and will re-evaluate options while continuing to rely on principal-to-parent communications for the near term.

Ending: The district will continue daily monitoring, pursue additional driver training with MBTA and First Student, examine stop-by-stop proposed changes with building principals, and return to the committee with recommendations rather than making immediate route changes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Freetown-Lakeville Regional School Committee, 4-9-25 (scheduled to start at 6pm)","oneSentenceSummary","The district reported results of a federal review of a March 25 bus-rail incident, said MBTA and federal reviewers found systems met federal regulations, and announced new training and a route review with First Student to address delays and sight-line concerns.","taxTitle","Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",71628,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6082031,"Committee to consider updated substitute pay rates; item placed on next meeting agenda",219,4657000,4876000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2939521-8016ba7840bb3e94362eb4b54eefba94&start=4657&end=4876","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2939521-8016ba7840bb3e94362eb4b54eefba94/thumbnail_4657000.jpg","/articles/6082031/Massachusetts/Committee-to-consider-updated-substitute-pay-rates-item-placed-on-next-meeting-agenda","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082031-e0aa4da6ef5aea76f0b2513965d44bfb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770796620&Signature=F0xiGikt3h-pE8kjlBdoYDcFYgT78XzHxVn1jzB0YZqn4WtICJYBfExPDj8w3AuEX9gohGv1Hyt6Rp~ognTa30MedLpEsh7nk4jtkGZfUejmvTehhtKexy~t7Q3fQDehy17JLWOsaQYg6GMxw0qiPknTcMxXFuRT~eQ8nUIPaB~aR7uHpfJiOcVXSmjav8lzX~NiB38b8gXFjSEGEYigTtL~uO5HlxSeg2j7vPJU1jtmPzOzyVvJA1fwzmrZwSwx5K1VhhD~tvzNtXF21Kx2UdmJjEEdck9QfjHQr91JkIhxDQR2R4VuI~xl~WhKN3fT4IOpiY--QmaSX5MEewB8OA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Committee staff provided a review of substitute pay rates used by neighboring districts and recommended the committee discuss possible adjustments. The report showed two-tier teacher substitute rates in peer districts (certified and noncertified), sample paraprofessional and nurse substitute rates, and current district rates for comparison.

The comparative figures cited in the meeting materials were: paraprofessionals $90 per day, certified teacher substitutes $125 per day, noncertified teacher substitutes $105 per day, and nurses $160 per day. Staff said these are the rates reported by districts the district contacted (Bourne, Dartmouth, Taunton, Middleborough and Old Rochester), and that the committee had asked for the information to consider changes.

After questions from board members about certification definitions and timing, a motion was made and seconded to place substitute pay (teachers, paraprofessionals and nurses) on the committee's next meeting agenda for formal consideration. The motion passed on a voice vote. No final rate adjustments were adopted at this meeting; the committee asked staff to return with a formal recommendation for a future vote.

Ending: Committee members asked for time to review the comparative data; staff will return with recommended language and possible draft adjustments at the next meeting.","The committee reviewed comparator rates and asked that substitute pay (teachers, paraprofessionals, nurses) be placed on the next agenda for action; staff provided proposed rates from nearby districts.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6082035,"Freetown Elementary entrance project proposed; town to bid concrete, adapt ADA ramps",194,4459000,4653000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2939521-8016ba7840bb3e94362eb4b54eefba94&start=4459&end=4653","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2939521-8016ba7840bb3e94362eb4b54eefba94/thumbnail_4459000.jpg","/articles/6082035/Massachusetts/Freetown-Elementary-entrance-project-proposed-town-to-bid-concrete-adapt-ADA-ramps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082035-0b7612c5c871b7d9aa2bc4d55064873c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770796620&Signature=hK-V7s2shUFyotpci9aCZRNs9u4upWlioetEq7PZNX3z3-r7cEzQcM0UeH6hgcwd9H3mshUBApEK6tkEERV98n9HLXCy2la5FV-FSuSDoy71fGMLKuAxyB0u~5FvoZjAJi~gQdOIMvGw8JvSdg0Z-PlxtwuObHolAcpq1CVHRRsxVwiWyI-pg8Htj1kbpdDsasbSuVPipdKiUmQIwgVbWGasnvM9VHgnzta1JQqu~Rd0zhikjs1ViGe851Lqf2uD3VdwroMoM20nv71upxwGWooDEbRc9HuKaoHpMK590IjCqaXlYmSo1UsXh5RLyiLMOlE7IQuX6LaQKj09aEuvSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A plan to reconstruct walkways and entrances at Freetown Elementary School was presented to the Freetown-Lakeville Regional School Committee, with town support and a bid timeline intended to put work in place over the summer.

Jim Noyce, representing the project team, told the committee that two low brick walls and several walkways adjacent to the main entrance are separating and have become trip hazards. The presentation called for removal of select trees, demolition of failing walls and replacement of brick and concrete walkways with new concrete totaling approximately 12,700 square feet. The estimate provided during the meeting, described by the presenter as conservative, put construction costs near $155,000; the presenter said final costs will depend on the low bidder.

The town of Freetown would lead tree removal through the highway department; the remainder of the work would be bid to qualified concrete contractors. The project includes replacement of four wheelchair ramps to meet ADA standards. The presenters said bidding would begin at the end of the month, with a contractor on board in June and work scheduled to start after the school year ends and likely continue through July and early August.

Facilities staff identified sections of existing concrete to remain in place to limit cost; the project team recommended bringing all ramps into ADA compliance while replacing failing sections. The presenter offered three finish options for the new concrete and recommended a broom-finish scored pattern for appearance. The committee was told the town of Freetown is expected to support and fund the capital project.

Ending: Committee members asked for clarification about ramp locations, square footage and schedule; presenters said they would finalize stamped plans and refine the estimate before bidding.","A contractor and town representative outlined a plan to remove failing brick walls and trees at Freetown Elementary, replace walkways with roughly 12,700 square feet of concrete, make four wheelchair ramps ADA-compliant and seek bids this spring with construction after school ends.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6082040,"Freetown-Lakeville school committee elects Jen Blum chair, approves slate of officers and subcommittees",97,3993000,4090000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2939521-8016ba7840bb3e94362eb4b54eefba94&start=3993&end=4090","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2939521-8016ba7840bb3e94362eb4b54eefba94/thumbnail_3993000.jpg","/articles/6082040/Massachusetts/Freetown-Lakeville-school-committee-elects-Jen-Blum-chair-approves-slate-of-officers-and-subcommittees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082040-51d0c9647decfa65630dc6a0e281a3e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770796620&Signature=dpexh9DXOaNJ5XiPCW6cNBHmuKiNrnHWHxsMCsZvpQnLIiM4TuBkWFepD8Ag6I5niMoyR3458S4uu8CaYIWV2q5EIQ0~2OB7gAunZ6IeXQC0S8mEM6qfASe2TyvYIkuTzG-blq4NxXlmBlfqGRUTsYHSms03MD4qxiiW8ZrnA7NBK1uHMJCILiEj7hAAa-eu1w~0kcCCT4Hj~SzZDLxCGLk2WHGZD93UOB4sKBxP3G5OaCZuGXcwOg06VTaBqLpSp-y7cVhbylitlI9y4KZr0A6c-wi5zBRiBBNLt7K-QcZVwOJIbr2wuk~h7IkOcafNPwKqX1UTh74EWkmLw5xpLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Freetown-Lakeville Regional School Committee on April 1 reorganized its leadership and approved subcommittee appointments, electing Jen Blum as chair and Steve Sylvia as vice chair and confirming a slate of officers and subcommittee members.

The committee moved to take the reorganization ahead of an executive session and voted by roll call to elect Blum chair. Subsequent roll-call votes installed Steve Sylvia as vice chair and confirmed Courtney Brightman to continue as secretary and Crystal Ling to continue as treasurer. Timothy Emery was appointed district clerk. The committee then approved nominations to standing subcommittees and working groups as presented.

Committee members discussed whether to bundle nominations into a single slate for efficiency; the body agreed to handle executive positions individually and subcommittee appointments as bundled motions. After nominations and discussion the committee approved the proposed committee rosters, which included, among others, the collective bargaining, policy, capital, regional finance, and wellness subcommittees.

The reorganization vote and the subcommittee confirmations were taken by roll call. The meeting record shows individual roll-call responses for the chair and officer elections and for the motion to accept the subcommittee rosters. The committee then proceeded to the scheduled executive session.

The reorganization sets committee leadership and committee assignments heading into the new fiscal and contract cycle.

Ending: The new chair said she would begin conducting organizational work immediately and the committee moved on to its other business, including a scheduled executive session on collective bargaining.","The Freetown-Lakeville Regional School Committee reorganized its leadership and appointed members to subcommittees, electing Jen Blum chair and Steve Sylvia vice chair and approving a slate of committee assignments and officers by roll-call votes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

After railroad crossing incident, district and MBTA conclude systems functioned; training and route reviews underway

Committee to consider updated substitute pay rates; item placed on next meeting agenda

Freetown Elementary entrance project proposed; town to bid concrete, adapt ADA ramps

Freetown-Lakeville school committee elects Jen Blum chair, approves slate of officers and subcommittees