MSBA’s Facility Assessment Subcommittee Reviews Norton’s Plans for Addition to Norton High School

On Wednesday, the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) Facility Assessment Subcommittee -- including State Treasurer Steven Grossman and executive director Katherine Craven -- met with representatives from the Town of Norton and their consultants to review progress made on the plans for the proposed addition and renovation project at .

The subcommittee is composed of members of the MSBA’s Board of Directors and meets regularly to hear district presentations regarding proposed projects and provide feedback to districts before a project is presented to the full board for its consideration. A review by the Facility Assessment Subcommittee is a critical milestone on the path to full approval by the MSBA Board of Directors.

In addition to the treasurer and executive director, MSBA board members Terry Kwan, Christine Lynch and Richard Bertman were in attendance. Representatives from Norton included State Rep. Jay Barrows, superintendent Patricia Ansay, Norton High School principal Ray Dewar and Building Committee members Kevin O’Neil and Tom Golota. Greg Smolley from JCJ Architects along with Deborah Marai and Margaret Wood from Pinck & Co. presented the proposed options to address the facility deficiencies at Norton High School. A two-story 16,000 square foot addition has been identified for further study in order to extend the useful life of the building, to enhance the delivery of the educational program and to improve student traffic through the school.

“I was pleased to hear that this proposed addition will better accommodate Norton High School’s art, music and theater programs which are an important compliment to a student’s academic experience,” Grossman said.

“There is still a great deal of work to be done, but having MSBA board members review and offer input at this early stage of the process will assure that we develop the most educationally appropriate and fiscally sensible solution to the problems at Norton High School,” Craven said.

“As Norton celebrates its tri-centennial this year it is imperative that renovations to Norton High School are made in order for the community to continue to prosper and grow, attracting additional commercial development,” said Barrows, who attended the meeting. “The proposed plan, option 2.2, is all that the town can afford at this time, and I hope that the MSBA will support the proposed renovations which would modernize Norton High School and substantially enrich the experience of the students.”