2011年11月7日 星期一

Vote looms on Saugus Belmonte repair project

Belmonte Middle School Principal Geoff Bruno knows the environment for student achievement could be so much better if teachers didn’t have to shout over the drone of univents to be heard or worry about a high water table that causes flooding. It is that potential for improvement that has him optimistic voters will approve the middle school repair project when they head to the polls Nov. 8.

“It would allow the teachers to focus only on teaching and not have to deal with univents and electrical interruptions in their classrooms,” Bruno said.

On Election Day residents will decide whether to support the $18,937,630 Belmonte Middle School repair project. The Belmonte Middle School MSBA Building Committee has evaluated the middle school for deficiencies and after completing a comprehensive review of all building systems has proposed a project that members stress is critical to preserve the school as a viable facility moving forward in the 21st century.

In recent weeks the committee has fanned out across town to school open houses, PTOs and local organizations to urge the public to support the repair project, which would reduce flooding and water infiltration, bring the school into full ADA compliance and architecturally up to code, improve energy efficiency, upgrade the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, enhance security and offer a sleek faade to the building.

Constructed in 1964, Belmonte still uses its original HVAC and fire alarm systems and offers no sprinklers to protect students and faculty members, Bruno noted.

Over the last two school years Bruno had to evacuate the school multiple times for smoking univents. The roof needs to be replaced, there is no thermal insulation and the building isn’t fully handicap compliant.we offer over 600 Wholesale Water Jet Cutting Pattern For Kitchen at wholesale prices of 75% off retail.

“Right now there are portions of the school where kids in a wheelchair can’t get to,” Bruno lamented.

The repair project aims to address these issues and then some. Proposed repairs include new pumps to handle flood issues, a revised building faade with insulated metal panels and black veneer, a new roof system to meet energy codes, new HVAC equipment and classroom ventilators, a new fire alarm detection system, energy efficient lighting,People who take up yoga can noticeable Wholesale Polished tiles For Kitchen due to the fact fire suppression system, the construction of locker rooms adjacent to the gym and a fresh coat of paint on many walls and ceilings.

Certain items have also been put into the “alternates” category, meaning the work will be done if there is sufficient money at the end.Arcy Art Original Wholesale Roto Print Glazed Tile For Kitchen From China Manufacturers brings you Oil Paintings These projects include abatement to remove asbestos floor tiles, new gym floor and bleachers, the replacement of student corridor lockers and enhancing security with changes at the entrance and main office.

While Town Meeting members authorized the expenditure of up to $18,937,630 on the project, the cost to the town is estimated at $8,840,086 due to the fact the Massachusetts School Building Authority has agreed to reimburse the town 53.32 percent.Wide Range of Wholesale Roller Marble Tiles For Floor sets

If the project is approved residential taxpayers would be responsible for $2,763,589 of the $8.8 million, with commercial property owners picking up the vast majority of the expense due to the town’s tax classification shift.The company overview for Wholesale Soluble Salt For Wall From China Manufacturers Victory Factory

The Assessor’s Department has determined that the tax bill for the average $324,500 single-family home would increase $62/year starting in fiscal 2016, with that hike gradually falling in successive years until the 20-year borrowing authorization expires. School Committee Chairman Wendy Reed pointed out the effect on the tax bill is essentially a wash because payment starts the year the Capital Improvement Plan bond expires.

“It’s a wonderful bargain for the town,” Reed asserted. “We’re not going to get a shot like this for more than 53 percent reimbursement again.”

Belmonte Middle School PTO President Corinne Riley, whose daughter Olivia attends the middle school, observed that little has changed at Belmonte since the days she roamed the school as an adolescent.

Riley recently filled in for the Belmonte librarian and was struck by how dim and dreary the school interior appeared.

A rehabilitated Belmonte would go a long way toward creating an environment conducive to student learning, Riley said.

“I think the kids would have a better opinion of the school and feel proud to go to a building that doesn’t look like a parking garage,” Riley remarked.

As far as the cost is concerned, Riley reasoned that the community should take advantage of the 53.32 percent reimbursement while the opportunity lasts.

“How can you go wrong with a more than 53 percent coupon off of $20 million?” Riley asked. “To me this is a no-brainer — if the project doesn’t pass we’ll still have to fix the systems when they fail at the school, but we won’t get any help from the state. It’s either pay 47 percent now or pay 100 percent later.”

During her whirlwind tour around town advocating on behalf of the middle school repairs Reed said she hasn’t heard any negatives associated with the project.

On the contrary, Reed said people are fed up with the cold, uninviting Belmonte facility that some liken to a prison and want to see the students attend a more welcoming building.

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