School Committee Faces Controversy Over $64 Million Renovation Plan

In a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the ongoing renovations and upgrades to local middle schools, particularly focusing on air conditioning, structural changes, and budgetary concerns.

The meeting revealed that while some middle schools, such as Hamilton, have limited cooling facilities primarily in cafeterias, the addition of air conditioning at DMS (Damesville Middle School) is deemed necessary due to the lack of adequate cooling options. The administration highlighted that window units are not feasible due to energy inefficiencies and required electrical upgrades. Consequently, the proposal includes installing air conditioning throughout the new Wafer Middle School and enhancing DMS's cooling systems.

Further discussions addressed the need for structural improvements at DMS, including replacing non-permanent operable walls with permanent ones to enhance soundproofing and redesigning the main office to include a conference room. The principal's preference for new lockers that are more functional was also noted, alongside plans to transform the media center into a modern learning space.

Budgetary constraints emerged as a critical theme, with the total projected costs for the renovations rising to approximately $64 million, exceeding the previously approved bond amount of $60 million. This discrepancy raised concerns among committee members about the prioritization of projects and the need for clarity on which initiatives would be funded. The committee expressed a desire for a detailed breakdown of the projects to ensure transparency and alignment with community expectations.

The administration emphasized the urgency of moving forward with the architectural designs for the approved projects, indicating that delays in approval could hinder progress. However, committee members voiced the need for further discussion on the additional $4 million in proposed projects, urging that the school committee should officially weigh in on these changes to avoid confusion and ensure community support.

As the meeting concluded, the committee recognized the importance of balancing immediate needs with long-term planning, stressing the necessity of clear communication and collaboration to navigate the complexities of school renovations effectively.