KINGSTON - February 10, 2026 - The Kingston Board of Selectmen, alongside the Finance Committee, voted unanimously to support a proactive capital funding strategy for the Silver Lake Regional School District. The plan seeks to redirect expiring debt payments into a dedicated stabilization fund to address over $50 million in looming maintenance needs without increasing the tax burden on residents.
The Full Story
Jason Fraser, representing the Silver Lake Regional School Committee, presented a plan to manage the aging infrastructure of the high school and middle school—assets he valued at approximately $500 million. With original construction bonds rolling off this year and next, Fraser proposed replacing the expiring “exempt capital” debt with a $700,000 annual contribution to a Silver Lake Stabilization Fund. This amount is projected to rise to $1.3 million next year as more debt expires, creating a “net-neutral” impact on taxpayers.
The proposal aims to move away from the unreliable use of Excess and Deficiency (E&D) funds—the school’s version of “free cash”—which has historically been used for emergency repairs but is currently depleted. Fraser warned that without a sustainable funding mechanism, the district risks catastrophic equipment failures, such as the high school cafeteria’s HVAC system, which is currently operating at only 30-50% capacity. “What I’m trying to do is avoid shutting down our high school,” Fraser stated, noting that the cost to replace the buildings entirely would be a staggering $34 million annually in new debt.
“I think it’s a no-brainer that it’s a way of providing a standard funding mechanism for capital improvements without having any immediate impact on the town.” [44:28] — Board Member Carl Pike
The Board also grappled with a long-standing request from residents of Captain Jones Way regarding street acceptance. While the town policy typically requires a 90% signature threshold from abutters, the neighborhood fell just short at 88.9% due to a disagreement over the installation of two speed tables. Neighbors argued that the road serves as a critical cut-through for emergency vehicles between Route 106 and Route 27, creating a unique public safety benefit. The Board ultimately voted to grant a waiver for the signature requirement, allowing the petition to move forward to Town Meeting, while emphasizing that this should not set a precedent for other private ways.
Why It Matters
This decision marks a shift toward long-term capital planning for Kingston’s regional schools. By locking in funds as old debts are paid off, the town avoids the “operating budget trap”, leaving no reserves for inevitable infrastructure repairs. For residents, this means a lower likelihood of sudden, massive tax overrides for school roof or HVAC replacements in the coming decade.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To support the Silver Lake strategy for funding capital projects through a stabilization fund.
Vote: Unanimous ([47:46])
Motion: To grant a waiver of the 90% abutter signature requirement for the Captain Jones Way street acceptance petition based on public safety benefits.
Vote: Unanimous ([01:22:50])
Motion: To open the May 2, 2026, Annual Spring Town Meeting warrant.
Vote: Unanimous ([01:39:53])
Public Comment
Kingston Cultural Council: Reported 16 of 22 grant applications were funded for local artists and non-profits; actively seeking new members.
Winter Safety: A resident of Main Street expressed safety concerns regarding high snowbanks blocking sightlines at driveways and the lack of cleared crosswalks on Elm Street.
What’s Next
Shellfish Fees: The Board directed the Shellfish Constable to work with the Town Administrator to simplify license categories and align them with beach sticker structures before the March sales period.
Warrant Timeline: The Spring Town Meeting warrant is now open and is expected to close on March 24, 2026.
Police Building: Town Administrator Lambiase will continue discussions with Eversource regarding easements for a potential new police department building near the fire headquarters.
Source Video: Kingston Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel