Souhegan Seeking Nearly $2 Million For High School Repairs

Amherst voters will be asked to consider authorizing repairs to their town’s 21-year-old high school building in March.

The Souhegan School Board is requesting a $1.95 million bond to replace the roof and HVAC system in the main building at Souhegan High School. These are based on a 2010 examination from engineers and architects on the main building, facilities and annex building.

The main roof has been leaking in many areas, including the gym floor area, and is in need of a replacement. It is well past its original design life cycle of 14 years and it will cost $1 million to replace.

School board member Mary Lou Mullens pointed out that it has gotten so bad that Bruce Wasson, Souhegan High School’s Chief of Building Services, slept at the high school overnight to manage the leaking issues.

“We are fortunate at Souhegan to have a dedicated maintenance crew to keep our school in shape, but we are now at a critical point and need the support,” said Mullens.

HVAC rooftop units in the main building are inefficient, failing and need to be replaced. Repair costs on the units are approaching $40,000 per year, and the board is seeking $950,000 to replace them. The failing units are also related to the roof leak problems, according to the school board.

There are two options to fund these repairs: a ten year bond or a seven year bond. School board member Stephen Coughlan said that the shorter option would result in a $73,000 savings in interest costs.

The SHS Advisory Finance Committee unanimously supports funding the repairs, citing that the extensive damage and the need to protect the interior of the building. These proposed repairs to the high school failed to reach the majority vote needed to pass at last year’s town meeting.