Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Construction Capital Planning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Proposal to expand Roberto Clemente dual-language school via convent renovation pitched as lower-cost alternative
Summary
City and school officials presented a plan to repurpose a vacant convent on the Roberto Clemente campus to add grades 7–8 and ancillary space; officials said the approach could cost roughly a quarter of a previous $82 million rebuild estimate but requires further engineering and state reimbursement analysis.
City and school officials on March 6 outlined a plan to expand Roberto Clemente International Dual Language School by renovating an adjacent, vacant convent rather than rebuilding the school — an approach officials described as significantly less costly than an earlier $81–82 million rebuild proposal.
Why it matters: The dual-language school is an established program and expansion would add middle grades and electives. The plan affects district capital budgeting, state reimbursement eligibility and the district’s early‑childhood facility strategy.
Nick Albini and Friar Architecture presented a schematic study showing classroom conversions, a new enclosed hallway, two elevators, a refurbished cafeteria/kitchen space, a library, dedicated art and music rooms and program support spaces. Officials said the convent plan retains the main school building for K–6 and houses grades 7–8 in the renovated convent; it would restore a full gym/auditorium function to the main building by relocating cafeteria functions.
Mayor Pernarouski told the board the idea emerged after a prior full-rebuild package — previously estimated near $82 million — proved unaffordable and that reusing district‑owned property (the school and convent) is an attractive compromise. Albini emphasized the current schematic is an early-stage estimate and that the next phase must validate structural soundness, asbestos abatement scope, utility capacity (water/sewer), HVAC and final costings. “We went into this with very little investment,” Albini said, adding the test captures basement, first and second floor layouts with a modest exterior hallway addition.
Board members asked about reimbursement rates and timelines for a June 30 application window; Albini said the team aims to submit for state school construction funding and expects typical reimbursement rates in the high 70s percent range but that official rates and prioritization must be confirmed by the Office of School Construction Grants & Review.
Other topics addressed included parking, elevator location and asbestos contingencies; Albini said allowances are included in the schematic estimate but that further engineering and possible remediation work will dictate final cost. The mayor also noted a longer-term interest in acquiring the church and rectory on the property to develop a district-wide early‑childhood center, but said that is separate from the immediate expansion plan.
The presentation was a study-stage discussion with no formal votes recorded; staff recommended next steps including structural testing and a more detailed cost estimate to support a state grant application.
