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Board opposes Bolton School nomination to National Register, cites safety and budget constraints
Summary
Staff told the board it had objected to a nomination of Bolton School to the National Register; the district and board members cited safety, seismic and accessibility upgrade limits, procurement and budget constraints as reasons to oppose making an active school subject to historic-preservation restrictions.
Administration briefed the board that community members had nominated Bolton School to the National Register of Historic Places and that the district hired an independent preservation consultant to review the nomination. The consultant concluded Bolton, as altered over time, did not meet the cited thresholds under historic criteria A and C, and the district submitted an objection to the state review process.
Dr. Ludwig and several directors explained practical reasons the district opposes placing active school buildings on the register, including limits on the ability to install security vestibules, replace windows for energy efficiency, perform seismic upgrades, and the effect of historic-review requirements on procurement and lowest-bid rules. "We are placing the bodily safety of our students and staff over the preservation of this building," one director said.
Board members recommended outreach to nominators to explain the district's concerns and to find ways to honor the community's intent while preserving the district's ability to make safety, accessibility and efficiency improvements. Staff noted the state committee deferred a decision on June 26 asking the nominators for more evidence, and the district could commission further study if desired.
