Highlands School Future Use Public Meeting 11/04/26

The November 4, 2026, Highlands School Future Use public meeting was a community listening session about the future of the former school property. No reuse plan or final decision was made. Residents most often favored retaining the site as green space or a community park, with suggestions including walking trails connecting to the town forest, a pavilion, basketball and baseball areas, and continued youth programming. The town noted that the property is zoned open space and that any sale would require Town Council approval. Residents also raised concerns about the vacant building, maintenance, neighborhood safety, and preserving elements such as commemorative bricks. Rehabilitating the building was estimated at roughly $9–13 million, in part to address accessibility and building-system needs; officials said reuse would require a feasible funding and operating plan. Community Preservation Act funds could potentially support demolition or recreational improvements, and the town reported about $8 million across its CPA funding accounts, with restrictions on how those funds may be used.

There were no votes, contract awards, or procurement approvals. Officials said demolition could take about a year if pursued, would be subject to a six-month historic-demolition delay, and could be followed by basic site restoration. The outdoor hockey rink planned for the former tennis-court area remains in planning; it has not yet gone out to bid, and the town is aiming for construction in the next construction season while exploring a system that could support winter ice. Participants also requested prompt maintenance measures, including trash barrels, and officials agreed to follow up. The mayor said a possible community working group could help develop a site direction and any future funding application.