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Hoosac Valley committee hears about cracked gym beam, explores MSBA roof project estimated near $8 million
Summary
Committee heard that an engineer deemed a cracked middle-school gym beam safe while repairs are scheduled; committee discussed filing a Statement of Interest with the MSBA for a roof project that could cover both district schools with a rough cost estimate of about $8 million.
The Hoosac Valley Regional School Committee on Jan. 13 was told a cracked beam in the middle‑school gym is being repaired this week after an engineer determined the structure is safe to occupy pending repairs.
Fred Lora, reporting for the Maintenance Committee, said the gym hoops and a crack in a beam were the primary concerns; staff have arranged repairs and are awaiting a full engineer report from Hill Engineers. The committee discussed preparing a Statement of Interest for the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to pursue a larger roof and facilities project that could include both district schools. A rough estimate mentioned in the minutes for such a project was about $8 million; the minutes characterize that figure as a preliminary, rough number.
Other facility issues recorded include stairwell damage near the boys’ bathroom and repeated vandalism to faucets, which prompted a discussion about installing different faucet types. Committee members noted the elementary gym roof currently needs repair rather than full replacement.
Why it matters: Facility conditions and potential capital projects affect student safety, local capital planning, and the district’s ability to secure state funding through MSBA programs. The committee noted any MSBA project would require support from both Adams and Cheshire town governments.
Next steps: Hill Engineers will report back to the subcommittee; if staff proceed with a Statement of Interest, the committee and town officials will need to coordinate on funding and community support.
