Notes from the Aug. 7 Wildwood School Meeting

In Wildwood School Building Committee Forum on August 7, held via Zoom, the latest developments in the Wildwood Early Childhood Center school building project were discussed.

Superintendent Glen Brand, also the chair of the Wildwood School Building Committee, led the meeting. The forum aimed to update the community on the project’s progress, engage them in the process, and solicit feedback. The committee also emphasized the importance of public input and outlined upcoming meetings and decision-making timelines.

Public engagement remains at the forefront of this project, with numerous opportunities for residents to offer feedback and stay informed. The meeting highlighted the crucial role of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) in funding and guiding the project, alongside insights from our design team led by Dawn Whittier and project management by SMA. Various design options and their financial implications were presented, sparking a detailed conversation on the potential impacts on our community.

As the project moves forward, the continued involvement and support of the community will be vital. Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to participate in the upcoming forums to have your voice heard.

Other Notes

- Public Concerns on Costs: Residents raised concerns about the financial impact on taxpayers and the communication of these costs. The need to clearly communicate the full scope and cost implications of the project were emphasized, suggesting many residents were unaware that the project extended beyond the Wildwood School.

- Clarification on Gymnasium Size: Discussion on whether the community would support a larger gymnasium than typically funded by the MSBA, with feedback indicating support for a 12,000 square foot gymnasium despite additional costs.

- Request for Delayed Voting: Residents questioned the timing of the vote, suggesting holding it in August might not allow for maximum community participation. It was proposed to delay the vote to ensure more residents could engage with the decision-making process.

- Transparency and Communication: The need for better communication was a recurring theme. Several participants stressed that the project’s broader implications were not well understood by the public, advocating for clearer and more comprehensive outreach efforts.

Full meeting broadcast below: