MONTAGUE — The Gill-Montague Regional School District School Committee intends to vote during a future meeting on establishing a building committee that would be responsible for planning a potential new elementary school in Montague.
The idea for a new school was originally brought to the School Committee as what Superintendent Brian Beck dubbed “more or less of a brainstorm” before it was discussed with the Selectboard on March 8. Director of Business and Operations Joanne Blier said at the time that the new facility — estimated by the Massachusetts School Building Authority to cost $55 million — would be constructed alongside the current Sheffield Elementary School and classes would be moved out of the older Hillcrest Elementary School.
Blier framed the idea as a matter of financial and infrastructural practicality, noting in her presentation that the building authority estimated that the current facilities’ needed capital repairs would cost $6.86 million. This estimate, she said, is “a huge amount of money to put into two of our older buildings that are overcrowded” and lack certain school needs.
Speaking during a meeting Tuesday, School Committee member Jennifer Waryas, who was present during discussions with the Selectboard, said while the Selectboard never gave a firm endorsement, she feels confident that board members would be supportive of the project if the committee were to conceptualize a “holistic plan, vision and how it works for the town.” Blier said getting town support is crucial.
“It does make a lot of sense to really involve the town and have a committee perhaps because it really will end up being a town-owned building,” Blier noted.
School Committee member Bill Tomb added that public awareness of the project’s necessity is essential. He referenced the dire condition of the current Hillcrest and Sheffield elementary schools, which Beck previously described as having “major needs” in the realm of space, heating, cooling, flooring, ceiling, exterior and roofing.
“The more the town is aware of the distress of the buildings,” Tomb said, “the more support you’re apt to get.”
School Committee Chair Jane Oakes placed formation of a building committee in the “things to come” category of business. In the meantime, the district intends to seek legal consultation as to how the committee should be comprised. Blier also said the district wants to consult the Capital Improvements Committee as the process moves forward.
“I think it needs more conversation,” Blier said. “I think it needs more discussion.”
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.