Stoughton building committee readies community outreach ahead of April 8 debt-exclusion vote; approves overdue DRA invoice

The Stoughton Elementary School Building Committee on March 19 updated members on public outreach before an April 8 debt-exclusion vote on a proposed elementary school project, reiterated why the 1958-era South School will need to close, and approved an outstanding invoice to DRA for geotechnical work.

The committee’s chair, TJ Recupero, opened the meeting by noting the upcoming April 8 debt-exclusion vote and encouraging members to continue community outreach. “If people wanna reach out to us and can't attend … we welcome them to email TJ Recupero,” Recupero said, urging residents to review materials on the committee website.

Why South School must close

Members and administrators discussed technical and regulatory reasons the South School cannot be kept in long-term use. Recupero said a commonly cited standard is actually the Architectural Access Board regulations and that certain repairs trigger full code upgrades. “There is a rule that people usually cite it as the ADA. But in truth, it's Architectural Access Board Regulations of Massachusetts,” Recupero said, adding that the school’s equalized assessed value is about $1,300,000 and that certain repairs can force a full building upgrade. He and other speakers said the 1958 boiler and other deferred-renovation needs would push renovation costs much higher than piecemeal repairs; Recupero said a complete renovation estimate had been discussed in the range of about $45,000,000.

Support and public outreach

During the public-comment portion, parent Laurie Jacques of 6 Harris Circle thanked committee members and said she believes the project “is truly the best option for the town of Stoughton.” Committee members described ongoing outreach: attendance at PTO meetings, tabling at the DAW fair, recorded informational segments and a three-part series (including one in Portuguese), and coordination with a separate volunteer “vote yes” group and other citizen groups. Sandra Groppi and others described meetings with elementary principals and noted the plan includes modular classrooms as an interim measure if South School closes.

Potential impacts if South closes

Committee members explained practical impacts if South School closes and modular units are used. Sandra Groppi said playground and hardtop space would be altered where modular units are placed: “Playgrounds will be gone … That hardtop will be taken over,” she said, adding that at some schools a portion of outdoor play areas would be removed to site modulars. Melissa Lynch and others raised transportation implications, noting redistricting and increased busing and neighborhood traffic could follow depending on how students are reassigned.

Design, costs and MSBA context

Design consultants and committee members described why the recommended “pinwheel” layout was chosen to deliver natural light, align with the educational plan, and maximize reimbursable square footage through the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) program. Committee members said several geometry options were studied and that differences in cost between options were small once the educational plan and required perimeter for windows were accounted for. A speaker cited studies showing improved student outcomes after students move into newer facilities; committee members stressed environment is one of several factors affecting student achievement.

Administrative business and votes

The committee approved minutes from the Feb. 12, 2025 meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was moved by Melissa Lynch and seconded by Pat Yamakoski; Joseph Buckley recorded an abstention because he said he was not present for that meeting. The committee reported the roll call produced 10 votes in favor and one abstention.

The committee also approved an outstanding invoice to DRA (invoice number 9) for $14,850, largely for geotechnical work. The motion to approve the DRA invoice was moved by Sandra Groppi and seconded by Dennis Rigo; the committee’s roll call produced a unanimous approval.

Next steps

Members said the committee’s immediate work is outreach and answering residents’ questions before the April 8 vote. The committee emphasized it is not running a campaign but will provide factual information; members and volunteers will staff tables, appear on local programs and post material to the building-committee web page. Recupero and other members urged residents to read available materials and contact committee members with questions.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes (02/12/2025): motion moved by Melissa Lynch; seconded by Pat Yamakoski; tally reported by the committee: yes 10, abstain 1 (Joe Buckley). Outcome: approved. - Approval of DRA invoice #9, $14,850 (geotechnical): motion moved by Sandra Groppi; seconded by Dennis Rigo; tally reported by the committee: unanimous yes. Outcome: approved.

The committee adjourned after confirming outreach plans and thanking consultants and volunteers for their time preparing for the vote.