The Select Board and School Committee met Thursday, August 14, 2025, for a hybrid Select Board meeting where they held a joint discussion about a proposed Facilities Master Plan (FMP) Project. No votes were taken at this meeting regarding the proposed initiative, and both the Select Board and School Committee anticipate ongoing discussions.

For residents unable to attend, here is an overview of the main discussion points and next steps. A recording of the joint discussion, courtesy of Dedham TV, is also available and linked below.

Select Board, School Committee, and professional staff from Town and Schools at August 14 Select Board meeting

Please note, the following is a summary of key discussion points and is not considered formal minutes of the meeting.

Introduced to the Select Board and School Committee by Chairs Erin Boles Welsh and Stephen Acosta with additional context and information provided throughout the presentation by Town Manager Leon Goodwin and Superintendent Nan Murphy, the proposal outlined the development of a community-driven Facilities Master Plan. The plan, once completed, would provide a formal analysis and comprehensive overview of Dedham’s current and future facility needs, providing a strategic roadmap for the development and management of our municipal and school facilities. 

Cover slide from presentation to the Select Board and School Committee at August 14, 2025 meeting

About the Proposed FMP Project

• Community-wide study to assess all schools, municipal buildings, and town facilities
• Focus on data-driven decisions for long-term infrastructure planning
• Initial estimated 12-18 month timeline with extensive community input opportunities
• Incorporates educational model impacts into understanding of facility needs or plans
• Estimated cost discussed: $300,000

Purpose of the Proposed Facilities Master Plan

This plan would provide the accurate data and community engagement emphasized as critical items for any future plan and budget discussions. The FMP aims to create a strategic roadmap for infrastructure decisions over the next 10-20 years.

Next Steps

• Develop a governance document that clearly identifies the role and guidelines of the Select Board, School Committee, and the proposed Steering Committee throughout this project.
• Finalize the composition of the Steering Committee.
• Finalize a draft RFP for review by the Select Board and School Committee.

Votes to Be Taken

The Select Board and School Committee will continue discussions at their respective public meetings in the coming weeks before reconvening for another joint meeting in September (date to be announced) to vote on the following items:

• Governance Document
• Final Version and Release of the RFP
• Establish a Steering Committee

How to Stay Informed On This Initiative: Resources for You

We are committed to keeping residents informed and engaged throughout this process. More details and opportunities for input will be shared as the discussion and project develop.

• Meeting Recording: Joint Discussion Recording
• Presentation Slides: PDF copy available on Town website
• Town website for project updates: ww.dedham-ma.gov/news
• Subscribe for Updates: www.dedham-ma.gov/subscribe; Select “Facilities Master Plan” from list of News Topics
• Questions or Comments: Contact your Select Board and School Committee members at:
  • SelectBoard@dedham-ma.gov
  • schoolcommittee@dedham.k12.ma.us

Additional communications channels and feedback formats will be added as the FMP process progresses.