Board reverses course, pauses CAES/SAU 7 soft-wash and window-wash project

What happened

At its August 18, 2026 meeting, the Colebrook School Board voted (5-2) to reconsider and then halt a previously approved building soft-wash/window-wash contract for CAES and the SAU 7 building, citing concerns about chemical safety near playgrounds so soon after school starts and recent $15,000 seal-coating work. The board directed staff to notify vendors the project will not proceed at this time and to revisit it later after further review, including sending the bidding process to the local policy committee.

Why it matters to families

This reverses a prior board decision on a facilities contract, raises documented concerns about chemical exposure risk to students near playgrounds, and signals a review of district bidding/procurement procedures.

The evidence

Minutes state: 'Motion to reconsider... Julie expressed concern about the chemicals on the playground and for the retaining wall... They would like to communicate with the vendors that they are not moving forward with this project at this time... The board is asking Dana to send this to the local policy committee.' Vote: Motion Carries 5 yes/2-No (C. Amey & T. Stevens).

The source