One Step at a Time

TO THE EDITOR:

There has been much discourse in recent issues of the Crier about what should be done with the High School facility. Should we preserve its historical value? Should we upgrade it through replacement? As a long-time member of the High School Building Committee (HSBC), I appreciate the opportunity to hear these perspectives from our community, but I also recognize that the debate over the right design approach is somewhat premature.

There is only one decision that we need to make right now, and that is should our High School Project proceed with or without state funding. Our High School facility suffers from significant issues including overcrowding, lack of health and safety code compliance, lack of handicap accessibility, inadequate air quality, asbestos and mold, lack of sprinklers, poor lighting, potential loss of NEASC accreditation, etc. The option to “do nothing” has long past. The NEASC, State Division of Occupational Safety, Department of Environment Protection and Special Education Officials have mandated numerous improvements, upgrades and repairs to Wayland High School. In addition to the issues raised by various state agencies, we recognize that ensuring safety in this deteriorating facility is becoming increasingly difficult, and the burden we are placing on our educators to deliver high quality programs is becoming unsustainable. Wayland has no choice but to address these issues.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) requires that any community applying for state aid comply with the new MSBA regulations. If Wayland wants the State to share in the cost of addressing our facility issues, we must follow their mandated processes. Wayland has been working closely with the MSBA and we are now one of only 19 communities in Massachusetts approved to proceed with the first steps of a project. The first major step in the MSBA process is to perform a Feasibility Study which will define the eventual project for which the State tells us we can expect 40% reimbursement.

At the upcoming Annual Town Meeting, the HSBC is proposing an article to vote on funds to perform the Feasibility Study. If approved, Wayland will begin the work of exploring design and cost scenarios based on the updated educational program specifications currently being developed by the Futures Team. It is during this study that we will consider renovation or replacement, campus design, and engage the community in discussions of a solution that the State will reimburse and Wayland can afford. If the proposed article is not approved, Wayland will begin the work of planning a project to address the same issues, but with no reimbursement from the State.

The MSBA tells us the funds for reimbursement are available now. Let’s hold off on debating the best design approach, and focus our energy on securing state aid.

Eric B. Sheffels

High School Building Committee

For more information, please see the HSBC Website at http://www.waylandschoolcommittee.org/whs/hsbc/