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2002 ATM Article 22: Architectural Design Services for Wayland High School
The Wayland School Committee is seeking $50,000 to examine options to address anticipated overcrowding at the high school. This study will review the buildings' structural integrity and requirements for enlargement, modernization, and improved energy efficiency. The School Committee will use the study to determine the best way to address the capacity needs, whether through renovations, additions, or new construction. This feasibility study is a necessary first step in determining the physical plant needs to accommodate increasing enrollment, which is projected to exceed the current capacity of the high school in 3-5 years. Options to avoid overcrowding at the high school need to be examined by a team of architects, engineers, and the administration while a periodic look at high school infrastructure is needed to determine how to satisfy future educational program needs. The timing is good: it has been twelve years since the previous major renovation project, and the buildings have significant remaining useful life. Systems previously renovated would be inspected. Evolving needs would be addressed, in particular, classroom configurations for all subjects and special needs, athletic and arts facilities, and all campus buildings. In addition, a reimbursable grant may be obtained by the school administration to fund study of environmental issues and energy efficiency at the high school. If awarded, the grant will effectively reduce the cost of this article by reimbursing the town up to $20,000 after the study is completed and audited. Following this feasibility study, the next steps would probably be architectural drawings next year (FY04) and a debt-exclusion override the following year (FY05).	The School Committee respectfully disagrees with the Finance Committee's split vote on whether or not to proceed with the study this year. First, we are confident of the continued steady rise of HS enrollment as more baby-boomlet children reach high school age. Second, space is already in short supply, and more athletic teams may soon be needed to give participants more playing time, thus requiring more athletic facilities. Third, the sooner we fulfill the state's preliminary obligations the sooner we can get in line to receive state reimbursement for the project. Finally, improved facilities are needed for an evolving curriculum due to new MCAS frameworks, technology-driven enhancements, new fine arts facilities, and more modern science and language laboratories. One lesson of the Middle School project is that the School Committee can be trusted to oversee construction and renovation projects with fiscal discipline and restraint. We have avoided extravagance at every turn; and our and the Building Committee's leadership in ensuring that our facilities are satisfactory to the requirements of their mission, but never more than what is required, have appropriately drawn praise from every quarter in town. We will bring the same level vigilance to our labors for the High School. In summary, the time is right to do a well-orchestrated study of the high school to prepare for the future.      Sincerely,      The Wayland School Commmittee
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