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District staff report progress on referendum and summer facility projects
Summary
District staff updated the board on referendum-funded construction and summer facility projects, including progress at Sand Hill, Summerville Elementary, Ashley Ridge, Oak Brook sites, and planned bus maintenance facility work slated to start around early 2026.
District construction and facilities staff updated the Dorchester School District Two board on Aug. 11 about progress on referendum-funded projects and summer maintenance work.
Tony Soules reported that Sand Hill construction is progressing with the second-floor slab poured and masonry walls rising; wet weather has slowed some work. At Summerville Elementary, demolition is complete and staff are resolving MS4/stormwater permitting with the town. Renovations at Ashley Ridge High School completed a phase that produced four classrooms from two larger rooms; phase two construction documents are pending approval from OSF (Office of School Facilities). Soules said Somerville High School gym schematic design and Fort Dorchester field schematic are in submittal queues with OSF.
At Oak Brook, steel framing and block work continue and exterior waterproofing is underway; staff said the elementary slab is ready to pour pending dryer weather. Soules said the bus maintenance facility is in design coordination and staff hope to start construction around Jan. 1, 2026.
Facilities director Jeff Smith reviewed summer projects including asbestos/transite panel abatement at Newington Elementary and Flower Town, vestibule installations with ballistic-resistant glass, roofing work expected to continue into the fall, and restroom and ceiling-grid upgrades scheduled for procurement. Smith said the DeBose Middle School courtyard renovation was completed and ready for students on the first day.
Board members praised the cleanup and renovation work and asked staff to keep the board updated on permit issues and contractor schedules. Soules and Smith said weather and permitting remain the biggest near-term constraints on schedules.
