I toured the elementary school last Saturday and the take-away is: The facility is in appalling shape, and we can’t wait for the next generation to take care of it. It is shameful that our teachers and children spend up to 33 percent of their daily lives under these unhealthy and uncomfortable conditions. We saw evidence of widespread and systemic leaks in both the 1955 kindergarten wing and the newer attached building built in 1988. This 30-year-old building was horribly designed with inward-sloping roofs, a crummy heating system, and lack of ventilation. The structural design is not conducive to inexpensive repairs. Mold is now growing inside the “new” building’s walls (this was discovered about two weeks ago) and it will begin to grow and spread exponentially. Frequently there is standing water on the roof over the library. Ceiling tiles there are replaced twice annually, and tarps are thrown over the computers during a downpour. The cafeteria and kitchen are both smaller than recommended by the state. Demand for the Bromfield gym means middle school teams have to practice in the under-regulation-size elementary gym; all their games are away. The cafeteria ceiling has been leaking for years. The gym ceiling has just started leaking. Nothing is up to current building, safety, environmental, or accessibility codes.
There is no question the 1955 kindergarten wing has to be replaced. Should the 30-year-old building be repaired or replaced? I believe due diligence was done in paring the replacement design down to needs, not wants. The decision by the selectmen and the School, Finance, and capital committees to endorse or support replacement of both buildings is the appropriate one.
So then it comes down to money. Good news! The Massachusetts School Building Authority has increased their grant to more than $18 million. That, in conjunction with block monies from the Devens and capital funds means that the total tax impact has been reduced from a 16 percent to an 11 percent increase in 2021. Of course, there would be a similar tax increase to pay for repairs only. The number that matters is the delta, that is, the difference between repair and replace, currently estimated at a maximum of $6.5 million. This is an additional $40 a year per townsperson throughout the 25 years of the indebtedness. This seems like a small additional price to pay forward to create a safe and healthy learning environment for our children and teachers, now and in the future.
Mary Helan Vesenka Turner
Littleton County Road
