School Committee Approves Drone Championship Trip, Hears Construction Update

EAST LONGMEADOW -- April 6, 2026, East Longmeadow School Committee unanimously approves out-of-state travel for ELHS drone team and hears the new high school remains on schedule and on budget. The five-member board voted five to zero Monday on all items, including acceptance of the FY26 third-quarter financial report showing a $916,789 remaining budget balance against a $36.9 million total budget. Superintendent Gordon Smith walked the committee through interior construction photos of the new high school, noting that demolition of the vacated central office wing will begin during April vacation following an April 21 move to temporary space at Cardamone Complex, with substantial completion targeted for July 30. Assistant Superintendent for Business Emil Blair confirmed the $2.89 million Maple Shade roof replacement project is now eligible for up to $1.37 million in Massachusetts School Building Authority grant funding after the Town Council voted in March to raise and appropriate the full project amount. Three ELHS students will travel to the National Aerial Drone Championship in Fairmont, West Virginia, from May 15 to May 18, each accompanied by a parent.