Walpole Fall Town Meeting Approves Override For New Middle School

WALPOLE, MA - Walpole's Fall Town Meeting members voted 126-4 on Saturday at the Walpole High School football field to approve the debt exclusion for the appropriation of about $116 million for construction of a new combined middle school, pending its approval in the Nov. 2 election.

While all 17 warrant articles were approved, the most highly anticipated was Article 14, which dealt with the proposed combined middle school for grades six through eight at the current Bird Middle School site at 625 Washington St. Both public middle schools - the Bird and the Johnson - were built in the 1960s and have been deemed at the "end of their functional life" in a report by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) during the feasibility study for the proposed new building. Eight community forums were held about the project over the past year.

It is anticipated to cost $115,768,814, which necessitated the debt exclusion request for demolition, site preparation and other ancillary project expenses. The MSBA approved a grant of up to $38 million toward the project, with the estimamted town cost at about $78 million.

Andrew Flowers, an economist and member of the Finance Committee for more than four years, spoke in favor of the project.

"I think it's honestly something we can't afford not to do," he said. "In the long run, I just want you to think about how this is an investment. And yes, the costs are real. But you're going to recoup those costs in higher home values."

School Committee member Nancy Gallivan gave a detailed description of the steps that went into the decision-making process as she advocated for an affirmative vote. She noted that the process first began with an MSBA middle school visit in 2016. This year, the project secured almost $38 million in MSBA funding.

The average taxpayer would end up spending approximately $438 more per year on their tax bills during the 30-year period of the debt exclusion.

The new three-story structure would have a floor for each grade level, with each floor divided into three teams that would have access to science and technology laboratories.

"This new building will enhance the way teachers can use the visual and multimedia formats to inform and allow students to expand their experiences," Gallivan continued. "It will also provide the necessary spaces for students who require extra services, as well as the space to offer experiences to all students like robotics, TV and film, and multimedia production."

She explained that the School Building Committee determined that renovating both middle schools would be "significantly more expensive than creating one combined school." The MSBA funding "rarely comes around to a town like Walpole," and it may not be offered in the future.

"The needs for these two buildings are not going to go away," added School Committee vice chairperson Kristen Syrek. "If we don't pass this today and on Nov. 2, we will continue to fund these projects. So the time is now."

While some Town Meeting members spoke of the risk of inflation, others countered that the MSBA money should not be turned down. If the project was not approved now but deemed necessary in the future, the town would have to pay for the entire project, presumably at a higher rate of interest and construction costs.

Bill Carroll asked about the fate of the current Johnson building should the new building be constructed. He proposed that it could be converted into housing for those over age 50. Seniors should get a tax break if they live there, according to his idea.

"You're asking for a school on one side," he said. "Give the seniors over 50 a break by giving them a place to go because they can't pay their taxes and they're downsizing their house."

Town Administrator Jim Johnson said that the decision about the building will be made after Nov. 2. Some suggestions include moving Recreation Department programming there, as well as possibly the Walpole Food Pantry. Another potential idea is to knock the building down and put out a request for proposals for housing or commercial development.

Martha Ryan said her three grown children went to the Johnson.

"The building was a disgrace when they attended there many years ago," she said. She noted that it is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Robert O'Leary pointed out that the combined school could cause traffic problems as well as impact affordable housing costs. He added that it could also bring about gentrification.

"We should not put in conflict the needs of the older residents with the wants of the newer residents," he said.

A roll call vote was taken in this instance after about 45 minutes of debate. Article 14 passed 126-4.

People can view the link to the YouTube video of the entire meeting recorded by Walpole Media Corporation.