Superintendent Belizzi and facilities staff discussed flag-flying procedures and illumination across district schools at the Nov. 17 operations meeting, following questions raised before Veterans Day about POW flags.

Belizzi said the district received 12 POW flags as donations and that staff are replacing worn flags so each school has what it needs. She also flagged inconsistencies across schools in who raises and lowers flags; many elementary sites assign that task to students as part of daily duties.

Mister Deptula described a low-cost solar option for illumination: “Solar lighting has no wiring. All you do is clamp the thing onto the pole,” and said units typically require battery replacement about every three years. District staff estimated properly illuminating all schools could cost roughly $4,000–$5,000 total, with additional annual maintenance or battery-change costs to consider.

Board members asked whether flag policy (including half-staff orders) is a town or district responsibility. Staff said official half-staff directives normally come from the governor’s office and are routed through the town; Linda Lavelle and Bev Summers will circulate notifications through district channels when required. Members requested consistency across schools and suggested the district consult the town regarding a townwide policy on flag protocol.

No formal policy change or funding vote was taken; staff will continue to replace damaged flags and return with cost estimates if the board desires district-funded illumination.