Board approves Phase 1 demolition and abatement for Winthrop Elementary
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Summary
The Board of Education authorized selective demolition and abatement work for Winthrop Elementary (Phase 1) and approved a phased plan intended to preserve 55% of the original building and to move affected programs into swing space ahead of demolition.
Michelle Otero, who oversees school construction on behalf of the city, presented a three-phase plan for Winthrop Elementary: Phase 1 — selective demolition and abatement, Phase 2 — construction site work, and Phase 3 — FF&E and playscape installation. Otero said the selective demolition approach would preserve roughly 55% of the original building and that the project will be sequenced so students and programs can be moved to swing space before heavy work begins.
Board members pressed for timeline details and how the district will move the BMA program; staff and construction managers said demolition was delayed until June to allow time to relocate students and to remove salvageable lockers, millwork and furniture. The presenters said building operations materials and a project presentation are available on the district facilities website.
A motion to approve Phase 1 demolition/abatement was made and seconded; the board voted in favor by voice vote and staff collected signatures to complete state authorization paperwork. No detailed roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript for this motion.
Next steps identified by staff included obtaining state approvals and seeking the state's reimbursement letter for eligible abatement costs, continuing community engagement and coordinating the physical move of programs and equipment prior to demolition.
