The school committee had hoped to avoid an unpleasant public airing of recriminations but recent accusations of "illegal" activity have forced the issue.

It is important for Mansfield residents to know that at no time did the school department proceed with the modular unit project without explicit communication with the municipal side of government. The school department initially sought assistance from the town manager well in advance of town meeting on the advice of members of the finance committee.

Several meetings, which included the town manager, members of his financial department, school department officials and school committee members, occurred in March. The purpose of these meetings was to determine the best mechanism for funding a much- needed expansion at the high school.

During those March meetings, the school department was advised by the town manager to submit an article for the special meeting within the annual town meeting to fund the project. It was not until May 12 that we were advised that funds did not exist and that an article for the special could not be submitted. Had we known in March that funding was not available, we would not have proceeded. The project was halted as soon as we were apprised of the financial problems.

At no time did the school department proceed without communication and discussion with the municipal government. We sought the town manager's and the municipal financial department's expertise and followed their recommendations. In terms of legality of contracts, past building contracts such as the modular units at Qualters Middle School were signed by Lincoln Lynch, past assistant to superintendent for business affairs, as recently as Jan. 12, 2006. We believed, based on recent past practice, we had authorization to sign contracts.

The school committee also sought the input of the municipal building committee, who informed us they did not need to be involved with this project. Further, the school department had our attorney review the contracts prior to their signing. It is important to also note that the town and the school department share the same legal firm.

On April 17, the school department requested that the board of selectmen waive building permit fees for the modular building project, which they publicly voted to do at their next meeting. This same memo also stated that the building project would begin in May.

In summation, the school department made every attempt to be transparent, open and all inclusive. In fact, the selectmen, finance committee and town manager publicly praised the school department on May 12 for their commitment to openly communicate with all involved parties.

It is unfortunate that this alleged "miscommunication" has clouded the reality of these much needed improvements for the entire community. All projects included in the debt exclusion are important and necessary. They all will help to keep Mansfield the vital and wonderful place it is. Please do not let this hinder the support for these essential projects.

JEAN MILLER is a member of the Mansfield School Committee. The column is also signed by Michael Trowbridge, chairman of the school committee; school board member Frank Delvecchio; Brenda Hodges, superintendent of schools, and Edward Vozella, assistant to the superintendent for business affairs.