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Officials urge swift replacement of Grafton Middle School roof after core sampling shows severe saturation
Summary
Core sampling and a consultant report show the middle-school classroom roof (Area H) has widespread saturation; estimates range $4.2–$5.2 million for full replacement, with a draft funding plan of $1M free cash, $500K stabilization and borrowing for the remainder; committee members urged town‑meeting action and summer construction for classroom sections.
Grafton — District staff told the school committee on April 28 that core sampling of the Grafton Middle School (GMS) roof indicates serious saturation and localized failure that require prompt replacement, particularly over classroom areas. The consultant GRLA provided updated estimates after sampling: a full roof replacement between $4.2 million and $5.2 million, replacement of the center section plus area H (classrooms) estimated at $2.0–$2.6 million, and area H classrooms only at $1.3–$1.6 million.
Dr. Cummings and facilities staff described red zones on roof-saturation maps and warned of "catastrophic failure and other health dangers" if replacement is delayed. The select board voted to move forward with a plan to replace the entire GMS roof; the draft financing approach discussed would use approximately $1 million from free cash, $500,000 from stabilization funds and borrow the remaining amount (the town is considering an Article 28 warrant article for town meeting). If voters do not approve full funding at town meeting, district staff said they could use smaller sums (about $1.5 million) to address the most critical classroom areas but would need further funds and planning.
The committee also discussed MSBA funding as a potential reimbursement source; staff said MSBA could reimburse roughly 50% (perhaps 53%) if the project were accepted, but that MSBA’s process takes several years (application, approvals and planning commonly span multiple years and rarely accelerate to immediate construction). Members emphasized the timing constraints: work on the core classroom sections (Area H) must occur during the summer when students are not in school, and contractors would need to be ready to begin quickly if funding is approved.
Committee members asked about the presentation strategy for town meeting, who will present and outreach materials; staff and members agreed to coordinate presentations for the warrant article and to provide detail at town meeting. If town meeting approves borrowing, the project would move into procurement and construction scheduling for the coming summer.
The roof discussion began in the meeting at the superintendent’s presentation (SEG 1500) and included slides, saturation maps, funding scenarios and questions about grant possibilities and timeline.
