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Cumberland unveils new B.F. Norton elementary design, reports wide summer renovations
Summary
School officials presented a multi-year capital program update Aug. 28 showing completed renovations across the district and detailed a new 64,500 sq. ft. B.F. Norton K–5 school designed for 576 students, with demolition of the old building planned as a final phase in 2027.
Cumberland School Committee members heard an extensive capital-projects update Aug. 28 that included a rendering and timeline for a new B.F. Norton elementary school and a recap of summer renovations across district buildings.
Superintendent Dr. Thornton introduced project managers from Colliers, who said the district met the objectives of a five-year capital plan that began in 2019. ‘‘We actually entered into a 5 year capital project plan… and that dates back to 2019,’’ Colliers project manager Megan Havrilla said during the presentation.
The new B.F. Norton design is a 64,500-square-foot, K–5, four-track school planned to serve about 576 students, Colliers said. Plans show two zones — an academic wing and a community space for the gymnasium and cafeteria — with specific circulation to reduce traffic on Broad Street and a relocated Veterans Memorial.
Presenters said some initial site clearing and earthwork have begun and that the district is “about 2 weeks away” from a groundbreaking ceremony. They confirmed the existing B.F. Norton building will be taken down as a final phase, with demolition scheduled to begin around June 2027 as part of later phases and additional parking construction.
The presentation also outlined completed work at other schools: new windows, gutters, roofs, renovated lobbies, new gym flooring and restroom upgrades at Community Elementary, Garvin Memorial, Ashton and Cumberland Hill; playground replacements funded through the district’s second bond; and classroom renovations (including six science rooms) at McCourt and North Cumberland middle schools.
Construction managers emphasized safety and traffic controls: the site is an active work zone with no on-site parking during major earthwork, designated blackout hours during student drop-off and pick-up, and coordination by Constigli Construction to ensure safe circulation. Committee members had time to ask questions about timing and logistics before the meeting moved on to other agenda items.
The committee did not vote on any new capital financing measures at the Aug. 28 meeting; presenters encouraged committee members and the public to follow posted protocols as work continues.
