STRSD looks to couple expansion with rebuilding project

Date: 8/9/2011

Aug. 10, 2011

By Katelyn Gendron

Assistant Managing Editor

SOUTHWICK — Major changes to the Southwick-Tolland Regional School District (STRSD) are being further explored thanks to the assistance of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

On July 27, the MSBA authorized a feasibility study to explore $65 million in renovations and additions to the district’s high school, middle and elementary schools. This study would couple the renovations together with the possible addition of Granville into STRSD, according to Superintendent Dr. John Barry.

“It’s an important opportunity for all three communities. It’s an innovative approach to this building project and something that the MSBA has never done before,” Barry said. “I really hope that the communities can come together with an open mind and take advantage of this opportunity.”

Incorporating Granville into the STRSD would add approximately 212 students, he noted.

Barry explained that the new regionalization agreement is being finalized and will be put to vote in Granville, Southwick and Tolland after public information sessions are conducted in the fall. If approved, the district would not add Granville until July 1, 2012, he noted.

Barry called coupling the new regionalization agreement with the renovation and expansion projects a new frontier for the district and the MSBA.

“Our commitment to constructing and modernizing schools is changing the landscape of the Commonwealth and creating increased learning opportunities for our students statewide,” State Treasurer Steven Grossman, chair of the MSBA, said. “I look forward to continuing our hard work with Southwick-Tolland to ensure that students receive an education in facilities equipped to serve their academic needs.”

MSBA Executive Director Katherine Craven concurred, adding, “The MSBA looks forward to continuing its due diligence with Southwick-Tolland to try and better understand the structural conditions of the district’s school facilities and to determine the most fiscally and educationally sound solution to best support the delivery of the district’s educational program.”