The School Committee voted on Thursday in favor of seeking funding from the Massachusetts School Building Authority to fix much of the middle school’s roof and the heating, air-conditioning and ventilation systems (HVAC) at both the middle and high school.

The vote is merely the first step in a long process, and the proposal will also need to be approved by the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee, Town Meeting, and the MSBA.

Part of the middle school received new roofing during 2002-2005 renovations, Assistant Principal Daniel LeFavor explained. But what has not been replaced is deteriorating and becoming brittle. It is covered with mildew and has been damaged by the many quahog shells being dropped on it by sea gulls.   

The HVAC systems at both the middle school and the high school are failing and need to be replaced in every classroom, office, the gym, the auditorium and the cafeteria. 

"This is the very beginning of a long process," Shaver-Hood said. "But on every windy day I think I will get the call the roof has come down."