North Reading Superintendent Answers School Building Questions

North Reading Superintendent Kathleen Willis participated in a . She answered residents questions about the school building project. In case you missed it, here are some of the questions and answers:

1. Question From George: 

Is the new high school going to be large enough to house more students in case of population increases in the future?

Answer: 

The Feasibility Study included an extensive design enrollment process that determined the number of students for which each of the schools could be built. Based on our enrollment projections, we are confident that the new schools will meet our student enrollment needs well into the future.

2. Question From NR: 

Will the middle school entrance change to Park Street?

Answer:

Yes. Access to both the Middle and High School for vehicles other than school buses will be by way of Park Street.

3. Question From Hornets:

If the project fails, will you have to come to voters again to get money for the "Band-Aids?"

Answer:

If the project fails at the special town election on Saturday, then we must come to the voters in the near future to address significant needs at each school building.

4. Question From Joe: What programs will you be able to offer with a new facility that you can't offer now?

Answer:  

In general, we will significantly enhance our science, technology, and engineering programs; online and virtual courses within the distance learning laboratory that will accommodate up to 140 students; music and theater productions and classes will be greatly improved; health and wellness programs will be expanded; and overall, the facility will provide flexible learning spaces to allow the development of 21st century skills including collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication.

5. Question From NR parent: 

I support the project, but worry about traffic and having the middle school and high schoolers going to essentially the same school. What is going to be done about that?

Answer:

The schools will continue to operate on separate schedules including different start and end times of the school day.

6. Question from No Reading:

I read on the patch that taxes are going up about $700. is there any way that we can cut down the project so it will be easier on residents' wallets?

Answer:

The project has been approved by the MSBA and Town Meeting. The cost of the project is now a fixed cost. The SSBC was mindful of the impact to the taxpayers of North Reading and the proposed project is one that meets the needs of our students as allowed by MSBA.

7. Question From Ashley Troutman:

Will the new schools be "green"

Answer:

Yes. The project will pursue a LEED "Gold" Certification. There will be increased water efficiency by use of low-flow fixtures; improved indoor air quality with use of low-emitting materials; building products will be sourced from recycled materials, supplied from regional locations; the building systems will be commissioned; and we will reduce heat island effect by use of light colored materials. Also, there will be maximum daylight for 90% of the spaces in the building.

8. Question From Marci:

Is the high school building a factor during NEASC accreditation review in 2014?

Answer:

Yes. One of the seven NEASC standards for accreditation is focused on Community Resources for Learning. This standard targets school facilities and the ability to provide a 21st Century education.

9. Question From Joe:

Will having a new facility allow town to get more $ via rentals? In other words, more groups will want to rent out auditorium and gym.

Answer:

This may be a possibility and has been considered.

10. Question From NR parent:

How important is the school building in the accreditation?

Answer:

It is very important. The school facility is one of several focal points of the High School accreditation evaluation.

Thank you to Superintendent Willis for joining us and to all of the contributors.