Board approves concept to advance $3.1 million siding and window replacement into budget planning

Oak Point Associates presented a building‑envelope assessment to the Five Town CSD board on Nov. 6, proposing full siding and window replacement to stop recurring leaks and improve weather‑proofing.

Architect Mark Gy and district facilities staff described failure modes in the school’s composite exterior siding (noted as a product that can water‑log) and window details that prevent a continuous weather barrier. The consultant recommended removing failed siding, installing a full weather barrier with new flashing details around openings, and replacing windows so the barrier can be properly integrated.

Maria (superintendent) told the board administration recommends replacing 100% of windows while contractors are mobilized to avoid remobilization costs and future damage: “If we remove windows for a proper weather barrier, it is prudent to replace them now rather than remobilize in five to 10 years,” she said.

The consultant’s probable‑cost worksheets and administrative line items showed construction plus soft costs, contingencies and fees bringing the overall recommended project to about $3.1 million (work staged over multiple summers in the consultant’s estimate). Administrators proposed packaging this project with two other large capital needs into a roughly $7 million bond ask; they said a special referendum would likely be required (administrators noted timing of a February referendum to inform the FY26 budget).

The board approved concept approval to advance the siding/window project into budgeting and bond planning; final scope and contract authorization will return for specific votes.

Next steps: staff will prepare refined cost estimates, a proposed phasing schedule and a bond‑package timetable for future board consideration and a public referendum.