Templeton School Vote Issues Eyed

Templeton School Vote Issues Eyed Questions answered as town prepares for big decision

News staff photo by Tara Vocino Interim Superintendent Dr. Steve Hemman urged residents to vote in favor of the new school on Tuesday. Talking Points Site was the only one available after other sites fell through  Although there will be no playing field, there are some nearby and there will be a big playground  Conditions at Templeton Center and Baldwinville Elementary schools is criticized Tara Vocino Reporter TEMPLETON  An official with the Mass­achusetts School Building Au­thor­ity met with Templeton officials on Wed­nesday, praising their determination as the town gears up for the final vote on a new elementary school. The fate of the new elementary school and the police station addition on South Road will lie in the hands of voters 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 gym from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. MSBA Executive Director John K. McCarthy told members of the Narragansett Re­gional School Committee and the Templeton Elementary School Building Committee they should be proud of themselves, especially the actions they took to save money. Mr. McCarthy compared the situation to Job in the Bible – anything that could go wrong has. “I applaud you guys for sticking with it,” Mr. McCarthy said. “I hope you don’t wait. You’ve been patient and persevered through some tough obstacles. Let’s hope voters come out on Tuesday and do the right thing.” According to Joel G. Seeley, a designer with Symmes Maini and McKee Associates Inc., Templeton entered into the feasibility study phase in 2007 along with 40 other districts, but land issues prevented the project from moving forward. “Several properties were unsuitable,” he said. School Building Committee Chairman Kirk Moschetti said the committee’s first choice was the former MBW salvage yard, within walking distance of the high school on Baldwinville Road. “Due to unsatisfactory ap­praisal results, our hands were tied,” Mr. Moschetti said. “Templeton Center was the first runner-up site.” Land at the former Tem­pleton Developmental Center was also considered. As for the lack of a playing field that some have voiced their concerns over, he said the architects do what they feel is best, and everyone has to work with what is offered to them. He said that plain and simple Templeton needs a new school. Mr. Seeley said there is a dedicated pullover lane for parent pick-up and drop-off, which is a concern that some have voiced. Board of Selectmen Chair­man John Columbus called the project “long overdue,” adding that systems will fall apart, if the town waits any longer. But he is optimistic that the town will vote in favor. “I don’t think the town will vote to put any money toward the current buildings, should the project fail,” Mr. Columbus said. “If this should fail, we’ll be in the same place 10 years from now with sites that don’t exist and end up in the same situation. It’s been a long, drawn-out process, and each land opportunity failing was disappointing to us. We thought we were close to fruition, but then we weren’t.” He said the playground is a good size so that it’s not overcrowded at one time. He mentioned nearby athletic facilities that are also accessible. School Committee Chairwoman Rae-Ann Trifilo hopes the vote will be in favor. “I’m hoping for our children’s sake,” Ms. Trifilo said. “We understand these buildings are not able to properly service their needs.” Building Committee member Carrie Koziol said people should make Tuesday a family affair to teach children the importance of voting. She thanked the other committee members for their dedication. “I want to thank everyone over the past 11 years who has been on the committee,” Ms. Koziol said. “Whether they’re still on it or not, everyone has taken steps to get here. I’m proud that we’ve gotten to this point.” The existing Templeton Center School was built in 1942 and suffers from deficiencies in major building systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and windows. It would also replace Baldwinville Elementary School, which has similar problems. The new three-story, 92,735-square-foot, $47 million school would be built at 17 South Road for a student body of 580 students in kindergarten through grade 5. The Massachusetts School Building Authority will contribute 63.11 percent of eligible costs toward the project, for a total grant of up to $22.9 million. 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.