#MiddletownRI students, educators and officials visit two new schools in Massachusetts recently to get ideas about some of the possibilities for a new middle-high school here.
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CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
Middletown educators, students and officials visit two new schools in Massachusetts recently to see possibilities for a new middle-high school here
ANOTHER REPORT FINDS MAJOR PROBLEMS
WITH MIDDLETOWN HIGH & GAUDET MIDDLE SCHOOL BUILDINGS
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (MARCH 29, 2023) – A November 2021 report isn’t the only independent study finding faults with the buildings home to Middletown High and Gaudet Middle schools.
According to a recent Facility Condition Index assessment done for the state Department of Education, both schools need to be replaced.
The 151-page report from Bureau Veritas found extensive difficulties throughout each facility, none rising to the level that the buildings needed to be closed immediately. But the Owing Mills, Maryland firm spelled out issues with the lack of fire sprinkler systems, poor lighting and ventilation, roofing and Americans With Disabilities Act accessibility problems, among other costly concerns.
Over a 10-year period, the price tag for the fixes and repairs was projected at about $102 million. The complete report is available at https://mdl.town/FCI online.
“None of what we saw here comes as a surprise,” Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown said. “Again, what we’re seeing from multiple sources here is the cost to repair our schools far exceeds the expense to replace them and provide the modern, efficient, welcoming learning spaces our students and teachers need in today’s 21st century educational environment.”
The condition of the school buildings has evolved into one of the biggest items facing the Town of Middletown.
Recently, the Town Council voted to put a $190 million bond package before voters during a special election — likely on Nov. 7.
As part of that proposal, a new $170 million combined middle-high school would be built on property north of Gaudet Middle School formerly home to the Starlight Drive-In on Aquidneck Avenue.
The way the 231,000-square-foot building is envisioned, grades 6-8 and 9-12 would be separate and not occupy the same spaces at the same time. For economy, they would both access places like the cafeteria, auditorium and gyms and athletic fields, but at different times.
Fourth and fifth grade students now in the Gaudet Learning Academy would be moved into the existing Valley Road high school building, which would be transformed into a pre-kindergarten through fifth grade early learning center.
The remainder of the bond would be spent on stopgap measures to keep the other schools going until a new combined elementary school could be built.
In November 2021, DBVW architects issued a report that spelled out $190 million in needed work to the district’s four existing schools before a ceiling or wall were opened. That included asbestos abatement, air quality improvements, security work and other problems identified in their lengthy report. To review that document, visit https://mdl.town/Report online.
The volunteer School Building Committee hired Collier International as project managers to come up with the best plan possible, with DBVW and HMFH architectural firms providing assistance. Educational planning expert Manuel Cordero was also brought in to help design the new building.
Last week, Middletown educators, officials and consultants toured two new schools designed by HMFH in Massachusetts. The group was wowed by both facilities, particularly the brightness, safety, branding and overall design.
For the latest information about the project, visit https://mdl.town/NewSchool online. The School Building Committee is also offering regular updates https://mdl.town/BuildingCommittee online.
In the next few weeks, Cordero is expected to release a community input survey about what residents and businesspeople would like to see in the new school. He has already spoken to teachers, students and other building users and getting feedback from a wider audience is an important part of the process.
Document Link: https://www.middletownri.com/DocumentCenter/View/8285/NYCU-FCI