Feasibility Study ArticleTown Meeting 2012

What are the identifiedproblems with StoughtonHigh School facilities?

www.snydersstoughton.com www.snydersstoughton.com

Stoughton High School - 1940’s electrical panel2012

Stoughton High School - Steam system B1st boiler room2012

Stoughton High School - Malfunctioning Univent, B2002012

Facilites Master Plan -SHS and South School

• Bullets indicate deficiencies that need to be addressed

Facilites Master Plan -SHS and South School

• Bullets indicate deficiencies that need to be addressed

a facility that limits “the delivery ofa high-quality education”

classrooms that are “undersized”

“lack of handicapped accessibilityto fourth floor of A building limitsclassroom/course offerings.”

NEASC Evaluation ReportThe New England Association of Schools &Colleges places Stoughton High School onformal accreditation “Warning Status” citingphysical plant concerns that include:

NEASC Evaluation Report, cont’d

“The poor condition of the facility thathas extensive and chronic deteriorationincluding but not limited to a leakingroof, loss of Guidance space in badweather due to water damage, poorcondition of outdoor areas, inadequatestorage, many areas not handicappedaccessible restricting programs for allstudents, outdated electrical panels,undersized gymnasium, outdatedheating and ventilation systems.”

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NEASC - Impact of Loss of AccreditationReduces ability to attract and retain high-quality teachers

Reduces status of SHS in eyes of colleges

Decreases demand for housing

Impacts negatively on town’s bond rating and the schooldistrict’s ability to secure competitive grant funds

Reduces real estate values

NEASC website:http://cpss.neasc.org/about_accreditation/benefits/

The Massachusetts School Building Authority requires a feasibilitystudy as the first phase of any school building project after aninvitation into the process.

The School Building Authority will reimburse the town ofStoughton a minimum of 56.6% of the cost of the study. TheFeasibility Study and schematic design is estimated to costapproximately $1,000,000 with the actual cost to the town around$430,000 or less depending on the number of options.

The District must reply by August to the New England Associationof Schools and Colleges about how it plans to address deficienciesin it’s facilities:

Funding will send a strong message to the state regarding townsupport for a building/renovation project during application review.

WHY DO WE NEED A FEASIBILITY STUDY?

Avoid Special Town Meeting. The town will only spendthe money if the School Building Authority invites theDistrict into the school building process.

No new construction of school facilities in 40+ years.

Addressing the accreditation issue is critical to theresidents of Stoughton as it has a direct impact on thequality of life and property values in town.

High quality facilities attract and retain businesses andfamilies to Stoughton.

WHY SHOULD WE DO THIS NOW?