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Date: 8/30/2023
EAST LONGMEADOW — East Longmeadow’s School Committee convened on Aug. 21 to discuss the high school building project, given the current facility’s state.
School Superintendent Gordon Smith, discussing the Massachusetts School Building Authority feasibility study, stated, “It’s been a very busy summer with the feasibility study.” He elaborated on the forthcoming steps: “We’re nearing our submission of schematic design, which will happen later this week.”
The town has weighed four potential solutions with costs ranging between $120 million to $185 million. The preferred approach is Option 3C, aiming to construct a new facility.
If approved, the town will vote on a debt exclusion Nov. 7. The proposed construction timeline is from 2024 to 2027 and to occupy the new facility by August 2026.
The design includes considerations for relocated tennis courts, new athletic facilities and dedicated spaces for academic programs.
“You’re looking at the fields that will be out here towards the west, and it’s going to reorganize what we have on that side and behind the schools,” Smith said.
Financial discussions revealed the projected budget stands at $177.5 million. The project budget overview is as follows:
Smith highlighted potential savings, “We think if all estimates come thorough as they’re expected, our town share is going to be below $115 million. Back in February, we were thinking it was going to be about $120 million.” As the project design has progressed, however, “We think we’re going to get more energy bonus points,” which will increase the grant and lower the town’s burden. Smith said, “We’re really happy about that.”
With the upcoming MSBA review and the November vote, the project’s fate will be determined in the coming months.
Sarah Truoiolo, a School Committee member, shed light on the committee’s decisions, stating, “When you don’t have something physical to look at and enter, there are assumptions that are made.”
She mentioned the words “state of the art,” suggesting that while these terms describe the new building, the reality might differ from public perceptions.
Smith emphasized the community’s unfamiliarity with specific design details. “They haven’t seen other drawings,” he said, referencing some project specifics. Smith updated attendees on the project timeline, noting that the schematic design would be submitted on Aug. 25.
“We do feel confident that the MSBA grant will increase,” he said, thus reducing the town’s financial burden. The MSBA reimburses municipalities up to 80% of construction.
In addressing public outreach efforts, Smith detailed the committee’s involvement in community events. “We’ve been out and about; we were out on National Night Out,” he mentioned, appreciating the turnout and feedback from the community.
Further, he announced plans for members of the School Building Committee and the design team to attend upcoming open houses at several local schools throughout September and October.
The superintendent highlighted efforts to increase public knowledge and engagement on the project.
“We have a public forum here at the high school on Sept. 21,” said Smith.
The event will offer tours of the current facility and a presentation. Another session is scheduled for Oct. 19.
Smith commended the revamped school website for its improved building project section. The updated frequently-asked-questions section and the forthcoming August monthly pamphlet will provide the community with comprehensive details about the project.
In a recent pamphlet, the district noted East Longmeadow could receive roughly $55 million in reimbursement from the MSBA for the proposed new high school. MSBA is a competitive program and East Longmeadow waited six years before being accepted in 2019.
If funding isn’t approved, the town might bear the full cost for any new project, resulting in staggered capital expenditures for the 63-year-old building over years.
Inaction could lead to significant repairs, code upgrades, potential reductions in enrollment, reduced property values, state funding and risks to accreditation.
New student cellphone procedure
Smith introduced a new policy regarding cell phone use for the upcoming school year. To minimize classroom disruptions, cell phone pouches have been provided for every high and middle school classroom.
Students will be assigned a slot in the classroom where they must place their cell phones upon entering. These phones will stay in their designated slots throughout the instructional period and can be reclaimed by students at the end of the class.
Given that students have Chromebooks to access instructional materials, the intention is to focus on classroom learning. Students will, however, be free to use their phones during non-instructional times such as lunch and between classes.
Parents needing to reach their children are encouraged to contact the front office for emergencies.
The schools will inform students of the new procedure. Smith noted that some information has already been shared via welcome-back letters.