NEWS FLASH:
The High School Building Project was overwhelmingly approved by Town Meeting last night, following a presentation on the Project Plan by members of the SBC, PBC, School Committee and Advisory Committee.
Town Meeting approved motions under Article 5 of the Town Meeting Warrant to fund the building project upon approval by residents in a town-wide election. The vote was 188 to 18 (91% in approval), well in excess of the required two-thirds vote needed. The net cost to Wellesley taxpayers will be $87 million.
At the conclusion of Town Meeting, the Board of Selectmen voted to authorize an election to be held on Tuesday, December 9th, for residents to vote on funding the building project through a debt exclusion to Proposition 2 1/2.
We encourage all residents to review the project details and join us in supporting this important investment in our town.
~The Wellesley School Building Committee
Project Plan Details
The total project cost is $130.6 million of which the state will be funding up to $44 million. The Town has received confirmation in a letter from Treasurer Timothy Cahill that the state funds are available and secured for the project upon voter approval of the state grant. Therefore, the net cost to the Town will be approximately $87 million. |
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Reference Articles
Recently added:
MSBA Liked What it Heard about Wellesley HS, by Katherine L. Babson, Jr., Chair of SBC, A summary of the recent MSBA authorization to fund up to $44 million toward the Wellesley High School Building Project as proposed.
WHS Project: Parking Considerations, by Marlene Allen, SBC member. A summary of findings of the Parking and Transportation Working Group on the interim parking plans during construction of the High School Building.
A Building Project Decision, by Katherine L. Babson, Jr., Chair of SBC. A summary of the recent decision by the SBC to pursue a High School Building Project based on the "Hub:" option, an all-new construction project.
Moving Forward: MSBA meets with SBC, by Katherine L. Babson, Jr. Chair of the SBC . A summary of the initial meeting (2/28/08) with the MSBA on the Wellesley High School Building Project.
The WHS Project: A Principal's Perspective, by Andrew Keough, Wellesley High School Principal and SBC Member. Insights into how a high school building is integral to the learning experience, effective curriculum delivery and a student's sense of well-being.
WHS: a 50-year Solution, Physically and Functionally, by Tom Goemaat, Member of SBC. While the physical building must be built to last 50 years, it must also be functional for as long. This article provides a summary of why past proposals have failed to meet both objectives and why there really is no "low cost" option.
Reality Check on the WHS Building, by Steve Gagosian, Member of the SBC and Permanent Building Committee. A cursory look at the condition of the WHS physical plant and state of the systems and structures.
Building for the future, by Tom Goemaat, Member of the SBC. A preliminary cost evaluation of the High School options, including the critical factors and variables which impact costs.
Learning from Others, by Cynthia Westerman, Member of the SBC. A summary of the site visits to local high schools which have recently undergone renovation and/or new construction.
For Performance or Sport: The Space Matters, by Suzanne Littlefield, School Committee and SBC Member. A summary of the School Committee decisions regarding design of the Auditorium and Gymnasium spaces to enable the WPS Educational Program.
Enabling Core Values, by the SBC. The key principles (in order of priority) to serve as the foundation for decision-making in the High School Project.
The WHS Project and You, by Katherine L. Babson, Jr., Chair of the SBC. The impact of the High School Project on each and every resident and the commitment to two-way communication.
How Public Education has evolved in Wellesley, by Bella Wong, Superintendent of the Wellesley Public Schools. How the many changes in teaching methods, state and federal mandates to education, and the importance of the extracurricular programs impact the current Educational Program.
WHS Project: The Pieces of the Puzzle, by Bella Wong, Superintendent of the Wellesley Public Schools. A summary of the physical space needed to enable the WPS Educational Program. The resulting "Architectural Educational Program" details what is included and where it is located and as such, becomes the basis for the building design.
WHS Project: The Importance of Site, by Marlene Allen, Member of the School Committee and Chair of the Interboard Land Use Working Group. A summary of the study conducted by the Land Use Working Group to assess the constraints and opportunities afforded by the land parcels adjacent to the current High School site.
SBC Members
Katherine L. Babson, Jr. Selectmen Representative SBC Chairman
Steve Baker Citizen-Architect
Tom Goemaat Citizen-Contractor
Steve Gagosian Permanent Building Committee (PBC) Representative
David Mooney Advisory Committee Representative
Andrew Keough High School Principal
Hans Larsen Town Executive Director
Suzy Littlefield School Committee Representative
Kathy Mullaney PBC Projects Administrator
Cynthia Westerman Citizen-Project Manager
Bella Wong Superintendent of Schools
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