Herrick Facility Bond Vote

Through the recommendation of the Facilities Committee, the Board of Trustees has determined the Milton Town School District (MTSD) will be seeking the approval of an $8million Bond. The Facilities Committee has wrestled with how to approach the health and safety concerns, code compliance issues, and aged infrastructure. These areas along with the new demands of technology and changes to educational methodology require immediate action. In keeping with the chartered duties, the MTSD Facilities Committee will provide guidance, oversight, and, when appropriate, specialized expertise in the following areas: (1) Long-range physical planning; (2) Capital renewal; (3) Capital projects; (4) Facilities-related policies and procedures; and (5) Operations and maintenance. 

Some background information is necessary for context and how we have come to this conclusion and place. Roughly 5 years ago, the Board at the time, proposed a rebuilding of the Herrick Avenue facility. Three options were presented to meet the changing needs of education and aging infrastructure. This idea, while well-presented, intensely communicated with the community and thoroughly planned and vetted, was not met with enough enthusiasm to be put out to the public for a vote. This decision has had a lasting impact as many of the infrastructure, code and life safety issues that would have been addressed were left to linger. Aged infrastructure only gets older. While patched, band-aided and doing the best possible there comes a time when it is simply time to fully replace it. In the same sense as a homeowner needing to replace a heating system, roof or worn carpet, so must a school. As a family grows and needs change in the household so does a school building.  

This year the school is faced with a decision for some capital improvements. In keeping with our charge, we have identified many issues that need immediate addressing. This year our school was impacted by a mold issue. This issue disrupted classes starting on time, displaced many teachers and classrooms and most importantly created a potential health hazard. The roof is at the top of the list for a full replacement. The windows which contribute to the moisture issue mentioned above need replacing.       

Additionally, the main electrical panel and switchgear needs to be upgraded. In order to aid in tackling the moisture issue and other demands placed on our electrical system as well as bring it into code compliance this infrastructure needs to be updated. The library is outdated and needs air handling improvements as well as being overhauled as it has aged and no longer meets the needs of the children. The main stairwell needs its flooring replaced. 

One may wonder how the work of the Facilities Committee ties into the quality of education? There is a direct correlation between learning, teaching and one’s physical surroundings. If one thinks of their own abilities to work, learn or be productive one’s immediate surroundings have a direct influence on the outcome. If one is too hot, too cold, breathing low quality air, experiencing sound issues (think a screeching fan belt) the negative impact is felt. Our children and staff deserve a facility that is safe, clean, properly heated and cooled, contains clean air etc. to achieve the highest level of educational quality. The Facilities Committee is committed to ensuring these needs are met and why it was recommended to the Board to put forward this Bond request.