Board of Education Votes to Request Building Committee Waiver for Improvements at Western Middle School

The Board of Education voted 7-0 to in favor of submitting a written request to the Board of Selectmen seeking a waiver of the School Building Committee requirement under Section 2-39 for the Western Middle School Main Entrance Project. The project is expected to cost roughly $2.5m and follow the current timeline:

October 22, 2026 Waiver requested by the Board of Education

November 2, 2026 Submit waiver request & MI materials to Board of Selectmen November 12, 2026 First read of the MI referral by Board of Selectmen

November 24, 2026 Second read of the MI referral by Board of Selectmen

December 14, 2026 Planning & Zoning Commission (tentative)

According to documents: "The project addresses accessibility and security deficiencies at the school's main entrance. Improvements include a new ADA-accessible ramp, relocated accessible parking, replacement stairs and canopy, and an expanded secure entrance vestibule. The vestibule will provide approximately 260 additional square feet, improving visitor screening, controlled access, and direct access to the main office."