Auburn School Committee approves advancement of Auburn Middle School project

The Auburn School Committee voted to approve the AMS advisory committee recommendations 1 through 4 and to advance the Auburn Middle School project, the committee chair announced after a voice vote that the “motion carries.” The action advances reconfiguration and renovation work to move sixth grade into Auburn Middle School (AMS).

Members discussed finances, timelines and staffing before the vote. Adam said advancing the project is “a responsible move at this point in time” and framed the plan as fiscally sound, saying operational savings are expected to offset debt service. “There were references in there of saving 1000000 dollars a year in operational costs,” he said, adding “we will owe about 1000000 dollars a year on, I’m assuming, a 3% rate.” He described the rough bonding estimate at about $11,200,000 and argued combining immediate maintenance needs with the reconfiguration reduces future capital projects.

The chair and other members emphasized the decision responds to findings in the Harriman facilities report and noted the timing is appropriate now that the new high school work is complete. The chair said including identified maintenance work in the same CIP bond as renovation work would reduce future disruption to students and staff and capture efficiencies of scale.

Committee members raised operational concerns and logistics: Jay asked whether the district expects to add administrators or guidance counselors when the sixth grade moves; staff replied it is likely additional administrators and guidance counselors will be needed but specific staffing decisions have not yet been finalized. An unnamed committee member urged that curriculum alignment be a priority in the transition, saying the move should support teacher collaboration and student learning.

A parent, Misty, told the committee she initially opposed moving sixth grade but, after attending a parent night, supports the plan and thanked staff and advisory committee members for their outreach and explanation.

The committee scheduled follow-up and noted next steps include continued staff planning, coordination of construction and incorporation of maintenance work identified in the Harriman report into the CIP bond process. The motion was called, Koren was recorded as the mover and Adam as the seconder; the committee approved the motion by voice vote and the tally was not specified in the record.

The committee closed with reminders about upcoming meetings including a joint city council and school committee workshop on Feb. 2 and the next regular school committee meeting on Feb. 4.