Staff Writer
ASHLAND – Residents of SAD 32 will decide next Thursday whether to authorize the construction of a new pre-kindergarten to grade 12 school. Through a study and analysis of existing facilities, which included a review of educational programs, site conditions, and electrical, mechanical, and structural systems, it was determined that Ashland High School and Ashland Central School are no longer the best or safest places for children to learn.
The new school would accommodate about 350 children in pre-K through grade 12. New construction would include about 84,000 square feet of space. The Superintendent’s Office would also be housed on school property in a renovated building adjacent to the new school.
“The district hasn’t had a new educational structure in 50 years,” said Superintendent Gehrig Johnson. “If approved, this building will provide an excellent education for the next five decades.
“If voters don’t authorize the construction, we’re looking immediately at a major outlay of local money to upgrade the existing buildings. Because we knew that we had a state-funded building going through the approval process, we have not put any substantial maintenance upgrades in the existing facilities except for safety,” he said. “We’re hoping that the community will see fit to approve this building.”
If the local vote fails, state money for the project will be given to the next district in line for construction.
“SAD 32 will not have another such opportunity for many years,” said Johnson. “The school board would then have to develop a plan this spring to address structural differences and inadequate conditions at Ashland High School and Ashland Central School totaling approximately $10 million using local money.
“SAD 32 likely would receive little or no financial assistance for these required improvements,” he said. “If we were to invest $500,000 per year for the next 20 years in renovations, the annual impact on taxpayers would be about 3.3 mills in additional property taxes.”
The new school will cost $21,937,928, of which $20,217,000 (91 percent) will be paid for by the state.
“Therefore, the estimated increase in the average mill rate for education will be .96 mills or a little less than $1 for each $1,000 of value,” Johnson said. “On average, a local taxpayer with a residence valued at $70,000 could expect to see an increase of about $67 per year in property taxes.”
The new consolidated school would include an auditorium designed to seat 345, and an expanded gymnasium with seating for 400.
New paved parking and driveway with separated bus drop-offs, play areas, and landscaping are included in the project to make the site safer and more functional. Furnishings, computers and much needed equipment are included in the project budget, as well. An 80,000-watt back-up generator would also allow the continuation of full power during electricity outages.
If the project is approved by district voters Jan. 31, the next step would be final state Board of Education approval in February to release funding for the project. From there, the necessary documents would be prepared to put the construction phase out to bid.
Residents will be able to vote from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 at the following polling places:
• Ashland, Ashland Town Office, 17 Bridgham St.
• Garfield, Garfield Town Garage, 8 Cross Road.
• Masardis, Town Office, 26 School St.
• Oxbow, Oxbow Community Center.
• Portage, Town Office, 7 School St.
If the project receives a favorable vote, construction would begin this fall for full occupancy in September 2010.
For more information about the referendum vote, contact Johnson at 435-8422 or Sheila Lyons, chair of the SAD 32 board of directors and of the building advisory committee, at 435-2901.
