Elementary Schools Changes Will Reduce Costs

After months of analysis, Barnstable school committee members are ready to present a plan to the School Building Authority on how they intend to fund window and door replacement at the Barnstable West-Barnstable Elementary School.

According to superintendent Patricia Grenier, funding sources for the project will include a combination of approved CIP’s and $85,000 in school funds. The school committee is also allocating school choice money, although they are not planning on having to spend it.

Bids for the project are not to exceed $965,000. Savings in the realm of 37 percent are expected to be realized due to the replacement.

“It is a darn good investment,” said School Committee Vice Chairman Francis McDonald.

School committee members also decided to move forward with an RFP to lease Marstons Mills Elementary School. The school has been closed since 2009.

Because of budget cuts, superintendent Grenier does not anticipate being able to commit to using the elementary school in the near future.

According to Barnstable Chief Procurement Officer David Anthony, leasing the school could offer a unique opportunity to offset district costs on a short term basis. Interest from certain entities about a potential two year lease has recently been on the increase.

Anthony admitted that there is “no slam dunk solution,” however a new RFP could spark interest in the building from new parties.

“We have more interest in that school now than we did the last time we put it (RFP) out,” said Anthony.