East Bridgewater Considers New Elementary School Project
School officials explore renovation and new construction options for Central Elementary
EAST BRIDGEWATER - December 10 - East Bridgewater public school officials are in the early stages of exploring options for a new Central Elementary School project, including renovation of the existing building and potential new construction. The project, in partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), aims to address outdated facilities and improve educational spaces.
At a recent public hearing, school officials and project consultants presented information on the project's timeline, potential sites, and educational goals. The project is currently in the feasibility study phase, with a town meeting vote and town-wide debt exclusion vote required to proceed after the design phase and work with the MSBA.
Alyssa Chatani from LeftField, the owner's project manager, outlined the MSBA process timeline. "Currently, we're in feasibility study... And we're moving into schematic design in 2025. And we hope to get project funding in November of 2025, which will require a special town meeting and a debt exclusion vote," she said.
If approved, construction would be expected to commence in January 2027, with the new school opening in September 2028.
Gene Raymond, from the architectural team, RDA, explained that they are looking at four potential sites to build new, as well as exploring renovation options for the existing building. "We need to look at what will it cost to upgrade this building code-wise. And then we need to look at an addition renovation option," Raymond said.
The project team has been conducting educational visioning workshops with staff to determine the needs and goals for the new or renovated facility. Kate Byrne, the principal of Central School, emphasized the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in the new design.
"We are an inclusive district, and a big part of our visioning ... was a priority for us, access for all students and all learners," Byrne said. "We run five specialized programs in this building, and every student should have access to all of it, to be included in general education settings, to be included in their playground, into their cafeteria, in every hallway."
Current issues with the existing building include inadequate classroom sizes, lack of ADA compliance, and outdated infrastructure. Gina Williams, Assistant Superintendent, outlined some of the challenges: "The heat can't be regulated throughout the building. So we tell children, dress in layers because it could be 70 degrees in one room, it could be 50 degrees in another room."
The project team is considering various grade configurations, including potentially bringing third grade back to Central from the middle school. One option being explored is a pre-K through third-grade school.
Some community members expressed concerns about the potential cost of a new building and its impact on taxes. One resident urged the project team to focus on renovation options: "I ask that you try to focus on what's it going to be to renovate this building and add onto it anything that is needed, like for special needs kids, add onto it."
School officials emphasized that all options are still on the table, including renovation and addition. "Ad reno is a great option. It is so on the table," Byrne said. "We don't want you to think we don't hear you, and we understand the expenses and the tax implications for the town and the community."
The project team encouraged community members to stay involved in the process by attending public meetings and visiting the project website at centralesproject.com. The school building committee meets bimonthly, with meetings open to the public and posted on the town's website.
As the project moves forward, school officials will continue to gather input from the community and work with the MSBA to determine the best solution for East Bridgewater's elementary school needs.