SSBC Presents Proposed Plans for New School

"Keep North Reading proud" has emerged as one of several reasons to move forward with building a new combined middle/high school facility.

SSBC member Janene Imbriano presented an update of the completed plans approved by the state and the plans being worked on in a break-out segment of Monday night's school committee meeting hosted at the .   

Imbriano revealed results from a recent survey of  students  indicated a high degree of confidence in the quality of their education, and the committment of teachers and staff. Yet, less than 40 percent indicated having school pride.

Parent comments

As one parent in attendence put it, students see the facilities of other towns and realize NRHS is outdated by comparison.

"My son has commented on the great sports facilities he's seen at other schools. It's hard for our kids to feel proud," the parent remarked.

That problem was highlighted by other parents including Principal, Catherine O'Connell.

"My son comes home surprised to have class in an old converted garage space where the door seal leaks rain water," said O'Connell. "He has also mentioned a class where one teacher works at his desk while another is conducting class because there isn't adequate space for our teachers." 

"It's routine to send my daughter to school with extra layers of clothing.  Some of her classrooms are at 58 degrees," said another parent.  

Some facts and findings

Imbriano pointed out that the high school was built in 1955 to house 450 students. Currently the building houses 708 students.

The middle school was put in place in 1963 housing 7th and 8th grades whereas now it accommodates grade six and 662 students.

Imbriano noted that the town's committee of 21 members including the Director of Buildings and Grounds, Wayne Hardacker has documented several issues that make the cost effective, efficient use of the existing buildings unsustainable. The issues include but are not limited to:

• code violations and antiquated infrastructures
• ineffective heating systems
• inadequate parking and safety issues with traffic flow
• inadequate playing fields and a gymnasium with flooring"dead spots"
• insufficient science labs 
• library unable to work to capacity due to limited space
• technology use limited by infrastructure
• lack of adequate space in guidance and administration
• asbestos hazards, sewage problems, water treatment issues
• outgrowing the 18 modular classroom spaces
• school inadequacies have a negative impact on property values

Out of 225 applications for school building funds the state selected North Reading as a "high need district."

"Repairs to the system would be a band-aid, not a solution," Imbriano said. "And there is no reimbursement from the state for repairs."

Though the exact figure cannot be determined at this point, the district's architects estimate a cost of $96 million to build and equip the proposed facility with the state reimbursing the district approximately 51.53 percent.

Administrative input

Superintendent Kathleen Willis and High School Principal Jon Bernard added perspective.

"The current building cannot give us what our students need to compete," Willis said.

According to Bernard, teachers have been part of the discussion of instructional priorities with the architects.

"It's clear they are doing a phenomenal job under some serious constraints," said Bernard. "You can't overlook those constraints indefinitely without lowering our standards."

Both Bernard and Willis agreed that teachers have been vital in the planning process and are invested. They note students and faculty are excited about the expanded possibilities for collaboration, interdisciplinary study and innovations they would have in a new space.

School Committee collaboration

School Committee Chair Gerald Venezia commented throughout the Q and A session.

"We don't know when or if we'll ever get a shot like this again. Our bond rating is good, the need is definitely there and the state is supporting us," Venezia said. "Everything we do will be brought to the community as we go through the process. There can be no secrets here. Everyone needs to know what's happening as we go forward."