LIVERMORE FALLS – Superintendent Terry Despres unveiled the conceptual model for a large building and renovation project in SAD 36 Thursday night.
Using the present 1968 high school complex as a basis, the proposal would renovate the academic portion of that building to strengthen and insulate the walls, so it could support a new roof.
A new main entrance would be built on what is now the back of the building, and the current offices would become a media center. There would also be better utilization of the present hallway beside the locker rooms, and there would be no through traffic around the building.
The current industrial arts area would become cafeteria and kitchen space, and a stage enlargement with renovation to the present cafeteria would develop it into a performing arts center.
A three-story academic wing would be built to house industrial arts and the middle school.
The plan is based on present needs, with an eye to the future, when the high school enrollment will be close to 400.
Despres told his board that the district is facing a $238,000 high school roof replacement, which will have to be done with local funds if the project is not underwritten by the state.
In addition, the academic wing suffers from major heat loss, and some of its classroom facilities, such as the labs, are not appropriate for today’s curriculum.
The old portion of the middle school, built in 1925 and 1926 after the original structure burned, is also in poor condition, Despres said, adding that the the district shouldn’t spend another nickel on it. An addition was built in the early 80s at the same time the industrial arts station was added to the high school.
“The middle school renovation/ addition gave the building a 20-year life extension, and you got it,” he said. Under this plan, the old part would be abandoned, with the gym and the newer section saved.
This would provide the opportunity to get rid of leased space downtown by using the saved section.
“It is possible,” Despres stressed. “We need to be ready to submit the plan (for state funding) right after the first of the year. It’s a wasted process until after Nov. 2,” he added.
He will file three applications, two for revolving renovation funds, and one for major construction.
Gaining state approval will not be a simple process, but is vital to relieve the local towns of the financial burden. “It will be a fight, we’ve got to prove it can happen.”
“This is a comprehensive plan, not a Band-Aid, and it’s not a SAD 36 project but a Livermore-Livermore Falls project,” he stated.
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