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Winchester advances Pearson roof referendum and funds study for state‑funded preschool expansion
Summary
Selectmen reviewed tests and bids that put a full roof replacement at $2.8–$2.9 million (about $840,000 town share after projected 70–72% state reimbursement), agreed to move forward toward a March 24 referendum, and authorized up to $40,000 to study schematic designs for a potentially 100%‑funded preschool expansion.
The Winchester Board of Selectmen on Jan. 20 heard detailed presentations on two school facility initiatives: a full replacement of the aging Pearson School roof and a schematic study for a state‑funded preschool expansion.
Roger Lafleur, a school construction administrator engaged by the district, described moisture scans and asbestos testing that showed persistent leaks and significant roof moisture. Manufacturer guidance and prior projects produced a construction estimate in the $2.8–$2.9 million range; with a state reimbursement rate the presenters cited at roughly 70–72%, the town’s share was estimated at about $840,000 to $870,000. Using a 20‑year amortization at 4.5% as an example, staff estimated annual debt service around $69,500.
Town and school officials discussed the timeline to seek full voter authorization and the mechanics of bonding and state reimbursement. The board asked staff to prepare bond resolutions for consideration and discussed holding a referendum; staff identified March 24 as a possible referendum date and said financing options (short‑term notes and then reimbursement) are standard practice.
In a related discussion, Superintendent Dr. Lubie presented a concept to add three preschool classrooms to offer universal free preschool for four‑year‑olds. The superintendent described stacked state incentives — the base school construction reimbursement plus proposed 15% bonuses for special education and early‑childhood construction — that could raise reimbursements close to 100% of construction costs for eligible projects. That combination could make construction essentially fully funded, officials said.
The board authorized use of up to $40,000 from an existing capital allocation to produce schematic designs and site feasibility work to meet grant application timelines and to more precisely estimate costs and site impacts. "If the board had somewhat of an appetite for the preschool program, we would ask that we use roughly $36–40,000 and get a little bit more real design cost estimates," the town manager said; the motion passed unanimously.
Next steps: staff will work with bond counsel and the registrar on referendum timing for the roof project and will solicit schematic bids for the preschool concept to prepare an application for state priority funding. The board emphasized it will not finalize financing or break ground until bond wording, bid results and reimbursements are confirmed.
