In Yesterdays News: School district reviews facilities, eyes Waterford Street School for rebuild Katie Landeck News Staff Writer #GARDNER - The Gardner School District is starting to look at which schools need to be repaired or rebuilt. “It’s important because some of the older buildings need to be updated to make sure the learning environment for students is the best it can be,” said Superintendent Denise Clemons. “There hasn’t been much movement in terms of construction.” The newest building in the district is the middle school, which was finished in 1997. However, through Massachusetts School Building Authority repair programs, many of the schools have received significant renovations more recently. For example, the middle school finished a new boiler project this year, and Elm Street School is currently undergoing a new window, door and boiler replacement project. As the buildings continue to age, officials said repairs may not be enough anymore. A feasibility study will be conducted by an outside consulting firm, which has been brought on board to create and provide the district with a strategic plan. “It’s a way to start envisioning the process,” said Business Manager Christopher Casavant. Waterford Street School is considered to be the worst in the district, according to Mr. Casavant, followed by Helen Mae Sauter, which is over 100 years old. The Gardner Academy for Learning and Technology also may require significant repairs, according to Ms. Clemons. The district is currently in the process of applying for state funding to rebuild Waterford, which Ms. Clemons said is nearing “critical” condition. The building is from the 1950s and was originally used as a middle school. There are issues with failing plumbing, the Americans with Disability Act compliance, its ability to handle technology, the roof, and energy efficiency, according to officials. “No matter what (happens with the state funding), we have to do something,” said Mr. Casavant, noting that the district has been proactive. At the last School Committee meeting Chairman and Mayor, Mark Hawke, also commented on the state of Waterford Street School and the need to do something. “I’m slightly embarrassed we have those facilities,” he said. He continued to say Gardner needs to “propel our schools further” and “show we are serious about our education.” Ms. Clemons said it is possible the study will only recommend repairs to Waterford, but right now, she believes it will need to be replaced. “It’s like putting a Band-Aid on a wound that is still oozing,” she said.
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 19:23:24 +0000
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