What would the educational impacts be of a delay in construction?

Teachers, staff, and administrators at both schools provide excellent education to our students. However, there are inherent limitations at each of the buildings that impact the overall quality of education that can be provided, and which will persist for as long as those schools remain in operation. These limitations include:

  • At the current West Elementary, there is a lack of suitable space for:
    1. Small group instruction. 
    2. ELL programming. 
    3. Special education services such as for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sensory processing.
    4. Long-term, hands-on projects and other authentic learning experiences.
    5. Teacher collaboration.
  • At the current Shawsheen Preschool, there are significant accessibility issues and a lack of needed equipment and appropriate design to provide the desired supports for special needs students.

Show All Answers

1. Did the original budget approved at Town Meeting in June of 2021 anticipate cost increases between that time and when all bids would be received?
2. Why did the Town choose the Construction Manager at Risk process rather than the Design/Bid/Build process?
3. Why did the Building Committee choose to proceed with four early bids (site enabling, structural steel, concrete, and site work) rather than bidding the whole project at the same time?
4. Why are increases to contingencies recommended?
5. Is the deficit the result of mismanagement by the Town or its contractors?
6. Can the deficit be funded within the existing operating budget rather than adding to the budget and thus increasing property taxes?
7. Will construction continue between now and Special Town Meeting?
8. Would a delay in construction lead to lower costs for the Town?
9. What would the educational impacts be of a delay in construction?
10. If the Town Meeting vote is not successful, what are the options for how to proceed?
11. How likely is it that an additional funding request beyond the current request will be required?
12. Will the Town need to borrow all the money that Special Town Meeting approves and, if not, how will that impact the increase in property taxes?
13. What happens if all the money borrowed isn’t needed to complete the project?
14. Can the second elevator in the West El wing or other items removed during earlier Value Engineering be restored?
15. Can funds for the installation of solar panels at the new school be sought as part of the STM funding request?