Templeton School Project Advances

Templeton School Project Advances

Tara Vocino Reporter TEMPLETON  The Massachusetts School Building Authority on Wed­nesday approved a grant of up to $22.9 million for the new Templeton Center Elementary School, predicated on passage of the ballot vote on Dec. 8. The School Committee met in the high school’s Kiva on Wednesday to provide a full report from the Boston meeting, held earlier in the day. Interim Superintendent Dr. Stephen R. Hemman said the money is guaranteed, provided that the town votes in favor in the ballot vote on Tuesday, Dec. 8. The special election for the $24.8 million Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion tax override will be held in the Narragansett Regional High School auditorium. “We’ve had a very positive response, especially considered we were in the running prior to 2007,” Mr. Hemman said. “We’re excited about the next step. It’s important that we get the information out for voters to come out and vote.” School Committee Chairwoman Rae Ann Trifilo said they are pleased with Wednesday’s approval and they are hopeful that the community will vote. “We’ve gotten three extensions in eight years,” Ms. Trifilo said. “That’s impressive. MSBA is really dedicated to our community.” Board of Selectmen Chairman John Columbus, Town Administrator Bob Markel, Ms. Trifilo and Mr. Hemman spoke in favor at the Boston meeting. Architect Alex Pitkin, of Symmes, Maini, and McKee Associates, met with a concerned neighbor about traffic concerns Wednesday. “There was a misconception that land will be taken away,” Mr. Pitkin said. “But that’s certainly not the case. It’s a change in the neighborhood.” Mr. Pitkin said Templeton is fortunate to receive Wednesday’s grant, as there multiple communities lined up. “It’s a big deal,” he said. Colliers International Project Manager Tim Alix said great news came out of the meeting. “The community-at-large is fortunate to receive significant funding,” Mr. Alix said. State Treasurer and MSBA Chairman Deborah B. Goldberg said the new school will provide a 21st-century learning environment for area students. “Our goal is to create the best space to deliver the district’s educational commitments and goals,” Ms. Goldberg said. If the debt exclusion passes, the cost to the taxpayers will be $1.74 per $1,000 of value for 28 years starting in 2019, which translates to $261 annually for a $150,000 house, or $174 for a $100,000 house. The new 92,735-square-foot school will be built for a student body of 580 students in kindergarten through grade 5. The MSBA will contribute 63.11 percent of eligible costs toward the project, for a total grant of up to $22.9 million. The existing school was built in 1942 and suffers from deficiencies in major building systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and windows. MSBA Chief Executive Officer Maureen Valente said the school will replace an aging building with a modern learning facility. “Students will soon have a beautiful new space, which will undoubtedly enhance and improve their ability to excel in the classroom,” Ms. Valente said. The MSBA works with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally appropriate, flexible, sustainable and cost-effective public school facilities. Since its 2004 inception, the MSBA has made more than 1,650 site visits to more than 250 school districts as part of its due diligence process, and it has made more than $11.7 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects. Mr. Hemman encouraged parents to come to a meet-and-greet with superintendent candidate Stephen R. Donovan on Friday, Nov. 20, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., in the high school library, and from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Kiva. The School Committee also voted to approve fundraising for a schoolwide Cuba trip, possibly in June 2016 or February 2017. The trip has three students (two are seniors) who have committed to go, but host and teacher Steven Latorre hopes to have at least 12 students. The trip is also open to parents and teachers. Ms. Trifilo said the committee approved to solicit interest and to raise funds, but they will hold off approving the trip until they see January fundraising and interest. School Committee member Margaret Hughes said they want to make sure students’ time is put to good use. “I don’t want them to go in thinking, ‘I put in all this work, and the trip falls through,’” Ms. Hughes said. “It seems like you put in a lot of thought into it.” If the trip falls through, the funds will revert back to the International Club. ******************************