Committee raises cost and timing concerns in wide‑ranging discussion of Overbrook Academy

The Smithfield School Committee spent significant time on May 7 discussing the town‑owned Overbrook Academy property and what role, if any, the school district should play in its reuse.

Chair (S1) reported attending a town council presentation and a site tour and cautioned that the main building — about 80,000 square feet — will require substantial work, including flat commercial roofs, accessibility upgrades and asbestos remediation in places. Committee members said the property’s three building campus and surrounding land present multiple possibilities (storage, pre‑K space, an inclusive playground, or an alternative learning academy), but they stressed that decisions should follow a detailed assessment, not assumptions about immediate use.

One member noted a commercial real‑estate estimate of roughly $250 per square foot for rehabilitation and warned that repurposing could be expensive. Another member urged balancing preservation and fiscal prudence: "I would never want to see it disappear," one said, "but I couldn't be more disappointed in that we purchased this building because...I don't see how we could afford it."

Administrators said the town is commissioning inspections and that the district should identify its space needs before making commitments. Members suggested the committee submit recommendations and engage the town manager and council in July/August after budget season, when bids and grant timing can be coordinated.

No vote was taken. Next steps: the committee asked administrators to collect inspection reports, assemble a district needs assessment and coordinate follow‑up conversations with the town council and manager.