The school committee received a detailed update on the Central School building project and was told that the building committee will vote next Tuesday on which locations to keep under consideration.

Dr. Williams, speaking for the building committee, said the project's educational program plan was submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) in January and the committee is still awaiting MSBA feedback. Schematic design materials are due to MSBA in May, the committee was told, creating a tight schedule for decisions.

The building committee has three principal options under review: 1) renovate and add onto the existing Central School site; 2) construct a new building directly behind the current Central School; or 3) build on Leland Farm. Multiple speakers warned that Leland Farm presents substantial unknowns, including land formation and wetland risks, potential salamander habitat that could require mitigation or crossings, and the possibility that wastewater infrastructure would need a new treatment system or tying into infrastructure on Route 18 — all items that could add permitting time and cost.

Dr. Williams said the civil engineer's presentation emphasized the risk and the potential permitting complexity around Leland Farm and that similar concerns had previously led the committee not to select that site for a high school project. The committee is planning a public forum tentatively for April to share space summaries, schematic design thinking and outreach materials with the community.

Why it matters

Choosing a site will shape project cost, permitting timelines and the MSBA feasibility schedule. If a site requires extensive environmental mitigation or wastewater infrastructure, those factors could push the town to a later funding vote and increase construction costs. Committee members asked administration to press MSBA for timing flexibility so both Central School and an accelerated Mitchell roof/window project do not compete for town funding at the same special town meeting.

What's next

The building committee is expected to make a site‑related motion at its next meeting and hold more frequent (possibly weekly) meetings in April as schematic design deadlines approach. The committee will share visuals and outreach materials with the school committee and public when available.