Norwell School Committee Approves $1.5 Million Feasibility Study for High School
District faces multiple capital improvement projects, including middle school parking lot repairs
NORWELL - December 16 - The Norwell School Committee has approved a $1.5 million feasibility study for the renovation or reconstruction of Norwell High School, marking a significant step in addressing the district's aging infrastructure.
The study, part of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) program, will evaluate the building's systems and structures to determine the best course of action for the school's future.
Superintendent Matthew Keegan and Warren MacCallum, Director of Finance and Operations, attended the MSBA board meeting where Norwell High School was accepted into the program.
"They're going to come in with an engineering crew or professionals, they're going to evaluate the building, they're going to look at the systems, the mechanics, the structures of the building," MacCallum explained.
The feasibility study will assess whether the existing building can be renovated or if a new construction is necessary. It will also include a survey of potential locations for a new building if renovation is not feasible.
MacCallum emphasized the importance of the study, stating, "It is a significant undertaking and quite frankly one that must be done."
The process is expected to take about two years and will provide the information needed for a future town meeting vote on the project's scope and cost.
In addition to the feasibility study, the district is facing several other capital improvement needs. The most pressing is a $665,000 repair for the middle school parking lot and drainage system.
MacCallum detailed the issues, saying, "When that school was built, they actually put a lot of drains from the roof of the building underneath the parking lot and underneath the sidewalks. Many of those have failed."
The project will address curbing, drainage, and areas where the parking lot has sunken. It encompasses the entire parking lot, roads, and bus loop, excluding a recently repaved access road.
Other capital needs include:
- A $40,000 repair for a lift at Vinal Elementary School
- $40,000 for HVAC controls at the middle school
- $6,500 for a single classroom set of desks at the middle school
MacCallum expressed surprise at the cost of classroom furniture, noting, "They're over $250 a desk even though it looks like this simple plastic desk."
The district is also facing potential roof repairs at the middle school. Initially planned for 8-10 years in the future, the project has been moved up to the 2-4 year category due to ongoing failures.
MacCallum is in discussions with the MSBA about potential funding for the roof project through their accelerated repair program.
The school committee also heard updates on other initiatives, including efforts to build resilience through play and mindful habits at Cole Elementary School.
Principal Eliza Burns presented on the school's focus on the "Habits of Mind" framework and new playground equipment, including a gaga pit and big blue blocks, to encourage imaginative play.
Parents and students shared positive feedback on these initiatives. Colleen D'Andrea, a parent of kindergarten twins, said, "I want my children to have a safe place to learn and explore. I want them to be able to do for themselves and learn how to be capable as they navigate tricky experiences."
The next meeting, scheduled for Jan. 27, will include the superintendent's budget presentation for the upcoming fiscal year.