The Millis School Building Committee met on April 16, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the ongoing school construction projects and strategies for engaging the community ahead of upcoming town meetings and elections. A significant focus of the meeting was on learning from other projects, particularly a recent situation at Lowell High School, where budget overruns led to financial complications. Committee members emphasized the importance of understanding these challenges to avoid similar pitfalls in Millis.

One member expressed the need for regular updates on market conditions and project costs, ensuring transparency when presenting information to voters. The committee acknowledged the lessons learned from Lowell's experience, where a lack of contingency funding resulted in a $15 million budget overrun. They agreed to investigate further to gather insights that could inform their own project management strategies.

In preparation for the town meeting on May 5 and the subsequent election, committee members discussed the distribution of informational materials. They plan to create a fact sheet that outlines the project's status and decisions made thus far, aiming to keep the community informed without overwhelming them with numbers. The committee is cautious about how they present financial information, opting for a narrative that emphasizes the project's benefits rather than focusing solely on costs.

The meeting concluded with plans to finalize the fact sheet and other materials for distribution at the town meeting, ensuring that residents have access to clear and concise information about the school project. The next full committee meeting is scheduled for May 7, where further updates and discussions on project specifics will take place. This proactive approach aims to foster community engagement and support as the committee moves forward with its plans.