Community School renovation on schedule; B.F. Norton design wins planning-board approval

District construction manager and Superintendent Dr. Philip Thornton reported that renovation work at the Community School is on schedule and that design approvals for the new B.F. Norton building have moved forward.

Thornton said crews are installing framing and 12 air-handling units at the Community School, converting a former cafeteria and library space into classrooms and common areas, and that the elevator shaft has been cut so the elevator can be installed. He said the team addressed a buckling flooring area with a decision to install LVT specialized flooring and noted new drainage work in restroom areas. “This building is probably in the roughest shape of all the buildings we have done,” Thornton said, but added “it’s all being taken care of.”

On B.F. Norton, Thornton said the project cleared the planning board's first review and received a second approval at the town level. He provided exterior renderings showing a raised rear elevation, a preserved green space and a proposed play area with an added fence. Thornton said the design team added an ADA walking path, bike parking for roughly 30 bicycles with 3-to-10 rack calculations, and relocated a World War I memorial to a prominent front position.

Thornton also said the project remains “very close to budget” while the team continues to track material costs and tariffs and holds weekly team meetings on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. He suggested a committee tour in April to view interior progress.

Ending

No formal vote was taken on construction items at the meeting. Committee members asked clarifying questions, including whether the Community School elevator will be a full elevator rather than a smaller lift; Thornton confirmed it will be a standard elevator intended to handle wheelchairs and other loads.