Thomaston’s school feasibility study is now underway, with the first round of data collection completed and opportunities for public input right around the corner.

The study, led by Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc. (DRA), will help help the town evaluate long-term options for its schools, including reconfiguring facilities, consolidating buildings, expanding shared services, or exploring regionalization with neighboring districts. The review follows a facilities report that identified about 250 repair projects estimated at $53 million over the next 20 years.

According to a Sept. 16 update posted on the town’s website, the first several weeks of the project have focused on gathering data, including enrollment figures, town development plans, school schedules, and the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development.

The project team has also launched four surveys to capture feedback on how well the current school facilities are serving the community. Teachers, staff, parents, and students are receiving surveys by email through the school system. In addition, a survey for residents and local businesses is open now and can be completed here. All responses are confidential and collected by a third-party, not by the town or school district.

Community members will also have the chance to weigh in at a series of public workshops at Thomaston High School:

• October 23, 6:30 p.m. – Community feedback and and perceptions of TPS
• November 13, 6:30 p.m. – Options and alternatives
• December 4, 6:30 p.m. –  Review recommendations

All sessions are open to the public. A steering committee made up of Rich Sileo, Board of Finance chair; Roxy Fainer, Board of Education chair; and Tracy Decker, finance director is overseeing the project. Residents can view the full project plan and find updates about the status of the project directly on the town website.