Built to accommodate teaching methods of the 1950s, the building lacks the infrastructure needed for 21st-century learning. Poor indoor air quality, outdated windows, aging infrastructure, and energy inefficiency make it a health and safety concern for students and staff. A new building would address these issues and provide a modern, safe, and effective educational environment that meets today’s learning standards.

No, not in the long term. 

While renovation may seem like a cost-saving measure, the total estimated cost for renovation is $500K more than the total projected cost for new construction, ultimately making renovation the more expensive option over the next 20 years. 

A new school will create a safe, healthy, and inspiring learning environment that directly supports student achievement and well-being. Outdated infrastructure and constant maintenance interruptions are distracting and detrimental to both focus and learning outcomes for students, staff, and administrators. A modern facility alleviates many of those disruptions and allows students and educators to fully engage in teaching and learning, with the right spaces and tools necessary. Key benefits include:

✅ Improved indoor air quality: Clean, well-ventilated air supports better health, concentration, and fewer absences due to illness or asthma-related issues.

✅ Natural lighting and energy-efficient windows: Energy efficiency will be captured within temperature controlled environments, and safety with windows that are modern, safe, and contribute to an environment that impacts student energy and cognitive performance.

✅ Modern technology integration: Classrooms designed with built-in digital infrastructure support up-to-date tools for collaborative, personalized, and tech-enhanced instruction to meet the demands of each child and their different learning styles. Today, constant classroom disruption due to the lack of adequate space to meet children’s unique needs is an on-going issue throughout the day.

✅ Flexible learning spaces: Purpose-built areas for STEM education, special education, sensory support, art, music, and outdoor classrooms allow students to learn in environments tailored to their needs and interests.

✅ Accessibility and equity: A new building ensures full ADA compliance and equitable access to resources and spaces for all learners, regardless of ability. 

Modern schools are designed with enhanced safety features, including:

✅ Controlled entry points, and enhanced security with modern doors and windows, as well as a safe screening space for visitors entering and exiting the building.

✅ Improved traffic flow for drop-off/pick-up, alleviating the Bungay Road congestion.

✅ Updated emergency preparedness.

✅ Secure outdoor spaces. 

No. The new school will be built on a different section of the site, allowing students to continue learning in the existing building. Once complete, students will transition smoothly to the new facility.