East Montpelier school hearing draws a crowd
Board seeks input on building needs, expansion
Toolbox
By SUSAN ALLEN TIMES ARGUS STAFF - Published: November 10, 2009
EAST MONTPELIER – After tabling a $12 million bond proposal for renovation and expansion of the East Montpelier Elementary School last month, the school board is now asking residents what they want for their aging school facility.
The first of two scheduled public hearings on the school was held Saturday, with about 40 residents attending to hear from the board and principal about some of the school's problems, and to weigh in with their thoughts on how the community should proceed.
"We just want to hear about how the community feels, what they want their school to look like in five and 10 years," said Janice Aldrich, chairwoman of the school board. "Our principal does a good presentation on the structural needs that have to be done. But we want to know what the taxpayers feel we can afford and how do we do everything … all together, or do we do it piecemeal?"
In addition, she said, the board wants to know how committed the community is to making any changes in a "green," or environmentally friendly, manner.
"Is being green important to people?" she asked. "It is to some, and it isn't to others."
The board had earlier this year planned to ask voters to approve a $12 million bond to address the problems facing the elementary school, which is over 40 years old. That would have allowed the building to be modernized and expanded, added parking space, increased the gym size, and more.
The board had begun discussing how to address the structural problems at the school when the need for expansion was also raised.
However, the high price tag in a tight economy was clearly problematic, and the board decided to delay the bond vote and instead ask residents what they want for their school and how much they are willing to pay for the changes.
Aldrich said those who attended the Saturday hearing were respectful and interested in the discussion.
"They were mostly listening," Aldrich said. "They thanked us for really taking the time to share what we see as the needs to the school."
She said people had been hearing rumors about what the board was considering and were concerned. Some voiced their suggestions to the board.
"Some said it's too expensive, we can't afford it now," Aldrich said. "Others were saying give us a cost list, give us a list of how much kitchen repairs will cost … give us an itemized list."
She said the board will take the comments from Saturday's hearing, as well as those that come at the Wednesday night meeting, back for discussion at its regularly scheduled Nov. 16 meeting.
"Where do we go, what do we want to see," she said are among the questions the board needs to address. "We're really trying to stay open."
Box:
A public hearing on the future of the East Montpelier Elementary School will be held Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the school's gymnasium.
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