What options did the town consider?
- INCREMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS: Complete renovations in a multi-year phased approach with priority for the systems at their end of life such as the HVAC system and controls, the roof, and other mechanicals, as well as addressing the entrance security issue with a construction renovation. The cost benefit analysis indicated that this option is more expensive for the town in both the short term and long term as minimal state grants are available with this option.
A preliminary estimate indicates this option would cost the town in excess of $30 million. This estimate does not reflect cost escalation over the time it would take to complete the improvements, nor does it incorporate the negative cost impact of losing efficiencies by incrementally phasing the improvements. Further, the majority of the building improvements and the sport fields reconstruction would not be covered by this option.
- NEW CONSTRUCTION: Build a new middle school at this site or an alternative site. Building on the current site is not feasible. The cost benefit analysis indicated that the cost of acquiring additional suitable land and designing a new school was the most expensive option. Also, this option does not maximize state reimbursements because any new build receives 10% less funding.
- RENOVATE AS NEW: “Renovate as New” construction uses the existing building’s structure and adds upgrades to the interior, exterior, mechanical systems, and security features allowing the building to meet modern day teaching and learning standards. This method is the most cost-effective option because it maximizes state reimbursement, which for Plainville is approximately 65%. This is the option proposed by the Board of Education (May 2022) and Town Council (December 2023).