August 10 , 2007
BTS Editorial Comment:
Roxbury has submitted a renovation proposal to the BOE for the Booth Free School that has a gross cost of $9,000,000. This is $4,700,000 less than the
proposal from 2006. The residents are pleased with the compromises made and support this plan.
Bridgewater has submitted a renovation proposal to the BOE for the Burnham School that has a gross cost of $7,800,000. This is $4,000,000 less than the proposal from 2006. The residents are pleased with the compromises made and support this plan.
Both of these Plans will undoubtedly receive Voter Approval at Referendum!
It appears that the Washinton Building Committee has taken up the challenge and is currently working on a revised plan for renovating the Washington Primary School building. Hopefully they will make reasonable compromises that will be needed for voter approval in a fall referendum.
Ed Wainwright
Bridgewater, CT
Friday, August 10, 2007
Architect Hired for WPS Renovation Study
08/04/2007 - Voices
Consultant Hired for Washington SchoolBuilding Committee Study
By: Ann Compton
WASHINGTON - The Board of Selectmen has hired architect Peter Bowman to act as consultant in the Washington Primary School Building Committee study which is currently being developed.
Mr. Bowman, who is a member of the committee presently, will resign if he is retained to complete plans for the project. He has given the selectmen a letter of proposal which the selectmen agreed to accept pending the approval of the building committee.
Mr. Bowman will be charged with the task of developing a preliminary design, along with construction costs, by September, with plans available for discussion with a construction manager early this month. Fees would not exceed $6000, with additional $1500 in consultant costs.
Mr. Bowman has already shared preliminary ideas with committee members, which include a picture of the proposed WPS building and floor plans for the first and second floors.
This plan includes keeping the gym as a gym only, and moving the regional office to the second floor of the "old high school building," with handicapped access to this second floor by the elevator and bridge connector.
The first floor of the "old high school" would be a library and media center, and the cafeteria would move to what is presently the library, where a loading dock and garage already exist. First grade classrooms would replace the area of the current cafeteria.
Mr. Bowman noted existing building security issues. He moved the administration and entryway into the space between the WPS and "old high school" building.
The plan also added roughly 500 square feet to the kindergarten rooms. He noted that the existing glass walls in this area are not insulated; there is no ventilation and heating is an issue there.
Some committee members do not believe any addition should be made to the present school, although it was agreed that this plan appears to contain all the space needed.
First Selectman Dick Sears said he fully supports engaging Mr. Bowman for this project. "His expertise and knowledge have already given us a jump start," he observed.
Selectman Mark Lyon questioned the propriety of hiring Mr. Bowman without opening the procedure to other interested parties. Mr. Sears stressed that this would further delay the process, and time is of the essence if it is to be completed by September.
He noted that an important component of this study is to maximize state reimbursement, and added that Mr. Bowman has had substantial experience in this area working with other schools.
The Building Committee met July 31 and unanimously endorsed Mr. Bowman as consultant for the project.
Consultant Hired for Washington SchoolBuilding Committee Study
By: Ann Compton
WASHINGTON - The Board of Selectmen has hired architect Peter Bowman to act as consultant in the Washington Primary School Building Committee study which is currently being developed.
Mr. Bowman, who is a member of the committee presently, will resign if he is retained to complete plans for the project. He has given the selectmen a letter of proposal which the selectmen agreed to accept pending the approval of the building committee.
Mr. Bowman will be charged with the task of developing a preliminary design, along with construction costs, by September, with plans available for discussion with a construction manager early this month. Fees would not exceed $6000, with additional $1500 in consultant costs.
Mr. Bowman has already shared preliminary ideas with committee members, which include a picture of the proposed WPS building and floor plans for the first and second floors.
This plan includes keeping the gym as a gym only, and moving the regional office to the second floor of the "old high school building," with handicapped access to this second floor by the elevator and bridge connector.
The first floor of the "old high school" would be a library and media center, and the cafeteria would move to what is presently the library, where a loading dock and garage already exist. First grade classrooms would replace the area of the current cafeteria.
Mr. Bowman noted existing building security issues. He moved the administration and entryway into the space between the WPS and "old high school" building.
The plan also added roughly 500 square feet to the kindergarten rooms. He noted that the existing glass walls in this area are not insulated; there is no ventilation and heating is an issue there.
Some committee members do not believe any addition should be made to the present school, although it was agreed that this plan appears to contain all the space needed.
First Selectman Dick Sears said he fully supports engaging Mr. Bowman for this project. "His expertise and knowledge have already given us a jump start," he observed.
Selectman Mark Lyon questioned the propriety of hiring Mr. Bowman without opening the procedure to other interested parties. Mr. Sears stressed that this would further delay the process, and time is of the essence if it is to be completed by September.
He noted that an important component of this study is to maximize state reimbursement, and added that Mr. Bowman has had substantial experience in this area working with other schools.
The Building Committee met July 31 and unanimously endorsed Mr. Bowman as consultant for the project.
WPS Building Committee Sets Agenda
07/28/2007 - Voices:
Primary School Building CommitteeSets Goals, Dates for Renovation Plan
By: Ann Compton
WASHINGTON - The Washington Primary School Building Committee is hard at work. With two meetings accomplished and a site walk on July 25 completed, the group has set goals and dates for future meetings to update the two-year-old renovation plan for Washington Primary School.
At the group's first meeting, July 10, First Selectman Richard Sears outlined the committee's objectives.
They include reviewing the 2006 Master Plan renovations for WPS; examining specific concerns about the plan and evaluating alternatives and costs to accommodate those concerns; preparing an alternative town plan that represents what is "best for Washington;" and submitting a final plan to the Region 12 School District after review by the Boards of Selectmen and Finance, as well as the town's legislative body.
Mr. Sears said the goal of the committee is to accomplish these objectives in time for the planned fall referendum at which voters will choose between the best three-school and single-school options.
Committee members, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, include Mr. Sears, Selectman Mark Lyon, John Quist, Peter Bowman, Phil Markert, Roxanne Kraft, Walter Whitney, Wayne Hileman and John Boyer.
Washington Board of Education members have been asked to participate ex-officio.
At the first committee meeting July 10, Board of Education member Irene Allen encouraged the group to look at the physical condition of the building. She believes the teaching space is too small and outdated.
Mr. Sears noted that the building has to house two classrooms per grade, for a total of 12 with kindergarten.
Board of Finance member Jack Field, also in attendance, pointed out that the old package previously presented was the lowest cost option and "cut too thin."
He added that the committee must examine what must be added to be acceptable to people.
When the committee met again July 17, members reviewed the floor plans for square footage and determined that the classroom space is not the problem, but rather the larger rooms including the gym, cafeteria and library, which must be on the ground floor for kindergartners and first graders.
The music room, currently in the basement, must be brought to ground level also.
There was discussion among the committee members regarding gym use. The WPS gym is also used by the regional middle school. The group agreed that its only use should be as a gym and not a combination gym and cafeteria.
Peter Bowman distributed a document that included a picture of the proposed WPS building, with floor plans for the first and second floors.
It includes the gym for single use, moving the regional office to the second floor of the old high school building, making the first floor of the old high school a library and media center, and creating a cafeteria in what is now the library, where a loading dock and garage already exist.
This plan adds 500 square feet to the kindergarten rooms. Some committee members believe no addition to the present school should be made, although it was agreed that this plan appears to contain all the space needed.
Mr. Sears asked the group to keep three plans in mind - the existing conditions at WPS; the SLAM plan containing the first and second floor plans; and a new plan.
Mr. Sears has set up several committees to research specific areas: the floor plan, the flood plain, state reimbursement, current gym use and the second floor of the "old high school."
Additional meetings of the committee are scheduled on August 14, August 21, August 28, September 11 and September 18. All meetings take place at 7 p.m. in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
Primary School Building CommitteeSets Goals, Dates for Renovation Plan
By: Ann Compton
WASHINGTON - The Washington Primary School Building Committee is hard at work. With two meetings accomplished and a site walk on July 25 completed, the group has set goals and dates for future meetings to update the two-year-old renovation plan for Washington Primary School.
At the group's first meeting, July 10, First Selectman Richard Sears outlined the committee's objectives.
They include reviewing the 2006 Master Plan renovations for WPS; examining specific concerns about the plan and evaluating alternatives and costs to accommodate those concerns; preparing an alternative town plan that represents what is "best for Washington;" and submitting a final plan to the Region 12 School District after review by the Boards of Selectmen and Finance, as well as the town's legislative body.
Mr. Sears said the goal of the committee is to accomplish these objectives in time for the planned fall referendum at which voters will choose between the best three-school and single-school options.
Committee members, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, include Mr. Sears, Selectman Mark Lyon, John Quist, Peter Bowman, Phil Markert, Roxanne Kraft, Walter Whitney, Wayne Hileman and John Boyer.
Washington Board of Education members have been asked to participate ex-officio.
At the first committee meeting July 10, Board of Education member Irene Allen encouraged the group to look at the physical condition of the building. She believes the teaching space is too small and outdated.
Mr. Sears noted that the building has to house two classrooms per grade, for a total of 12 with kindergarten.
Board of Finance member Jack Field, also in attendance, pointed out that the old package previously presented was the lowest cost option and "cut too thin."
He added that the committee must examine what must be added to be acceptable to people.
When the committee met again July 17, members reviewed the floor plans for square footage and determined that the classroom space is not the problem, but rather the larger rooms including the gym, cafeteria and library, which must be on the ground floor for kindergartners and first graders.
The music room, currently in the basement, must be brought to ground level also.
There was discussion among the committee members regarding gym use. The WPS gym is also used by the regional middle school. The group agreed that its only use should be as a gym and not a combination gym and cafeteria.
Peter Bowman distributed a document that included a picture of the proposed WPS building, with floor plans for the first and second floors.
It includes the gym for single use, moving the regional office to the second floor of the old high school building, making the first floor of the old high school a library and media center, and creating a cafeteria in what is now the library, where a loading dock and garage already exist.
This plan adds 500 square feet to the kindergarten rooms. Some committee members believe no addition to the present school should be made, although it was agreed that this plan appears to contain all the space needed.
Mr. Sears asked the group to keep three plans in mind - the existing conditions at WPS; the SLAM plan containing the first and second floor plans; and a new plan.
Mr. Sears has set up several committees to research specific areas: the floor plan, the flood plain, state reimbursement, current gym use and the second floor of the "old high school."
Additional meetings of the committee are scheduled on August 14, August 21, August 28, September 11 and September 18. All meetings take place at 7 p.m. in the Land Use Room at Town Hall.
WPS School Plan to be Re-Evaluated
07/11/2007
Washington to Update Single School Plan
By: Ann Compton
WASHINGTON - The Board of Selectmen agreed at its June 28 meeting that it's time for Washington to update its single school plan.
In a conversation with Board of Finance member Jack Field, the board decided to appoint a task force to update the town's two-year-old single school plan, a process that has already taken place in Region 12's Bridgewater and Roxbury.
"The way it's looking, we will wind up in a three-school mode rather than with a consolidated school," observed Mr. Field. "There are many things we need to address: an all-purpose gym, curb appeal, the effects of affordable housing and the flood plain.
"It may make more sense to build a new school rather than fixing the old one," he said, referring to the town's Washington Primary School.
The three Region 12 towns have been embroiled in a tussle for months over the consolidated school issue, with no sign of resolution on the horizon.
"We have to have the best plan possible for a single school," stressed Mr. Field. "It may take a lot of time with all the legal entanglements to get this sorted out and people could become impatient to have an individual school here."
A June referendum set to take place in the three towns on the issue of a consolidated school was abandoned and continuing legal action has put any direction on hold for the three towns.
The Washington Board of Selectmen moved to reinstate the task force which developed the school plan two years ago, to include new and former members along with Washington members of the Region 12 Board of Education, selectmen, members of the Building Committee and others.
First Selectman Richard Sears planned to have the group in place by last week. The new group's first task is to formulate a request for proposals to be issued as soon as possible.
The group plans to meet weekly through the summer in order to present ideas to the town in the next few months.
Mr. Field reported that the Board of Finance agreed at its last meeting that it would support an allocation of $15,000 for professional consulting help with this work.
"This will reopen the conversation about what we want," said Mr. Sears, who suggested that the board also consider hiring an architectural engineer to perform a feasibility study. The selectmen agreed to pursue that plan.
"Roxbury and Bridgewater have both come up with their own plans," said Mr. Field.
"This issue is complicated because the makeup of the Board of Education is different; the consolidation concept has been challenged and the courts will have to decide on it. It's time to revisit our own school plan."
Washington to Update Single School Plan
By: Ann Compton
WASHINGTON - The Board of Selectmen agreed at its June 28 meeting that it's time for Washington to update its single school plan.
In a conversation with Board of Finance member Jack Field, the board decided to appoint a task force to update the town's two-year-old single school plan, a process that has already taken place in Region 12's Bridgewater and Roxbury.
"The way it's looking, we will wind up in a three-school mode rather than with a consolidated school," observed Mr. Field. "There are many things we need to address: an all-purpose gym, curb appeal, the effects of affordable housing and the flood plain.
"It may make more sense to build a new school rather than fixing the old one," he said, referring to the town's Washington Primary School.
The three Region 12 towns have been embroiled in a tussle for months over the consolidated school issue, with no sign of resolution on the horizon.
"We have to have the best plan possible for a single school," stressed Mr. Field. "It may take a lot of time with all the legal entanglements to get this sorted out and people could become impatient to have an individual school here."
A June referendum set to take place in the three towns on the issue of a consolidated school was abandoned and continuing legal action has put any direction on hold for the three towns.
The Washington Board of Selectmen moved to reinstate the task force which developed the school plan two years ago, to include new and former members along with Washington members of the Region 12 Board of Education, selectmen, members of the Building Committee and others.
First Selectman Richard Sears planned to have the group in place by last week. The new group's first task is to formulate a request for proposals to be issued as soon as possible.
The group plans to meet weekly through the summer in order to present ideas to the town in the next few months.
Mr. Field reported that the Board of Finance agreed at its last meeting that it would support an allocation of $15,000 for professional consulting help with this work.
"This will reopen the conversation about what we want," said Mr. Sears, who suggested that the board also consider hiring an architectural engineer to perform a feasibility study. The selectmen agreed to pursue that plan.
"Roxbury and Bridgewater have both come up with their own plans," said Mr. Field.
"This issue is complicated because the makeup of the Board of Education is different; the consolidation concept has been challenged and the courts will have to decide on it. It's time to revisit our own school plan."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)