Smooth Transition Into the School Year for Foxborough Students

Foxborough schools opened their doors for the new school year to students on Sept. 6 and according to Superintendent Debra Spinelli, opening day was "terrific."

The Foxborough school committee met for the first time Monday since students began school. Spinelli gave a back to school update where she reported that this year's opening saw the "smoothest bus transportation" operation ever.

Spinelli also thanked teachers "for their flexibility and humor" as the school opened for faculty and staff two days after Tropical Storm Irene hit town.

"We had generators on in the building...many staff members went above and beyond," said Spinelli.

Director of Facilities, Michael O'Leary, attended the committee meeting to review the progress that was made over the summer in High School renovation project. The High School construction project is entering its third year.

According to O'Leary, there is still work remaining to do in the High School that will be completed on second shifts and weekends. Remaining work includes replacing the main doors with automatic doors for handicap accessibility, work in the music wing, finishing the carpeting in the auditorium, and signage for classrooms.

Over 150 windows were replaced in the High School this summer, new tile and fixtures were installed in the bathrooms, a new energy management system was gained and the gymnasium, which O'Leary was the most excited about, was renovated.

"Just about done – months of work. Then we start punch list items. The architect goes through and finds faults and contractors correct them," said O'Leary.

O'Leary noted that there have been a few change orders, which could affect the amount of money left over from the project. School committee member, Beverley Lord, reminded the public that "the bid for the job (the High School renovation project) came in lower than what they had requested and the state in turn reduced the amount of money they would get."

"We have never been working with the original amount," said Lord.

Committee members were in awe of all the improvements in the school.

"You have done an incredible job. The school looks beautiful," said Spinelli.

Spinelli recommended that the committee look into hosting a "community open house" for the public to tour the High School and view all the new improvements. The date for the open house has yet to be determined.