Bedford Parents Help Derryfield School Become a Green Example

When Lou Fink and Pam Grich enrolled their daughters, Allison Fink and Kaitlin Fink, into Manchester's Derryfield School, they were rewarded with two well-rounded, polished students with impressive high school resumes. Kaitlin, in fact, became a

In return, the proud parents co-chaired a fundraising committee that helped build the Gateway Building, the school's newest structure, which is roughly three-times larger than the building it replaced, the school's former art house.

The Gateway Building now houses the school’s Breakthrough Manchester program, academic studies, admission, advancement, business, and community and global services offices. In addition, the building provides additional classroom and seminar space for the school with plans to incorporate an innovative digital project room.

Head of School Craig N. Sellers, said he views the building as an opportunity to continue the bold work of The Derryfield School’s founders.

“Since 1964, Derryfield has inspired students and families," he said. "This building will help to ensure our mission stays vital now and in the future.”

The building was designed by Lavallee Brensinger Architects and built by Pro Con Incorporated. The School was able to recycle 83 percent of the former structure, which was razed in January 2011. The energy efficiency of the new building exceeds the energy code by approximately 40 percent and the school will be eligible for rebate incentives from PSNH for HVAC and lighting efficiency, and tree removal along River Road maximizes the building’s solar potential.