The Mendon-Upton Regional School District held a Capital Project Informational Session on April 19, 2025, to discuss significant upgrades needed for school facilities and grounds. The meeting highlighted critical issues regarding aging infrastructure, safety hazards, and the need for improved accessibility across various school sites.

A primary focus of the session was the urgent need to replace windows in several school buildings, which have suffered from water damage. The estimated cost for this window replacement project is part of a larger facilities project totaling over $11 million. This figure includes costs for design and project management, with a contingency plan in place to address potential tariffs and other unforeseen expenses.

The discussion also addressed deteriorating curbs and sidewalks at Plough Elementary and Memorial School, which pose safety risks for students and visitors. The current conditions have led to ongoing patchwork repairs, but officials emphasized that a complete overhaul is necessary to ensure safety and improve first impressions of the schools.

In addition to building repairs, the session covered the need for upgrades to athletic fields and grounds. The existing fields at both Nipmuc Regional High School and Miscoe Hill Middle School are in poor condition, with uneven terrain and inadequate irrigation systems leading to safety concerns for student athletes. The proposed improvements aim to enhance field usability for various sports and community events, including the installation of lighting to extend usage hours.

The session concluded with a call for community support and engagement in the upcoming projects, emphasizing the importance of creating safe, accessible, and functional spaces for students and the broader community. The district plans to provide further details and updates on the projects through their website, encouraging public involvement in the planning process.