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.