The School Facilities Task Force last night officially handed over the reins for day-to-day decisions on the proposed new high school.
The 21-member task force, formed by Town Meeting in 2004 to study the high school's shortcomings, last night unanimously approved the composition of a 12-member working group that will act as the town's adviser.
Chairman Tom McQuaid said the task force will remain in existence and get regular updates from the working group.
Project Manager Tim Bonfatti said the town needed a smaller group, which was partially defined in the Massachusetts School Building Authority reimbursement regulations, that could meet weekly and make decisions on design and construction.
"In order to work best, the group really needs the level of authority to make key decisions," said Bonfatti.
A working group has been in existence since the town's collaboration with the authority began in November with a feasibility study on the high school. Although certain members of the group related to specific positions in town were defined by the regulations, the actual membership is not.
Last night, task force member Peter McFarland outlined a plan for a 12-member working group, all of whom would have full voting rights. The task force unanimously endorsed the proposal.
The group will consist of: General Manager John Carroll, Town Clerk and Accountant Bob Thornton, Interim Superintendent of Schools John Moretti, High School Principal George Usevich, and School Buildings and Grounds Director Joe McDonough.
The School Committee and Permanent Building Construction Committee will also elect or appoint two members to the committee and the Finance Commission and Board of Selectmen one each. The task force will also be able to elect or appoint a member.
The building authority has agreed with the task force's 2006 recommendation to Town Meeting that the town needs a new high school, but the process is moving down parallel courses.
Architects are drawing up preliminary designs for the school, which would be built behind the existing one on Nichols Street. Officials hoped to have a preliminary design and cost estimates completed by the fall for submission to the building authority for approval.
But the town and building authority are also considering participating in a Model School Program in which the town will build a school that has already been designed and constructed in a different community.
Selectmen last week told the building authority they are interested in learning more about the program, and Chairman Mike Lyons said last night, he hopes a meeting will be set up soon.
"We're looking at (the authority) to come back with some answers," said Lyons.
Brian Falla can be reached at 781-433-8339 or bfalla@cnc.com.
