Grafton School District Space Needs Update: Fall/Winter 2007-2008

Space Needs

The Grafton School District is facing a space shortage as the town's population continues to grow. We are already exceeding our capacity with the existing students and this will only worsen with the projected growth. It is anticipated that the school district will require an additional 1,000 seats spread across the grade levels to meet current and expected growth, but more importantly to meet the educational needs of students in the 21st Century.

Did you know:
  • The graduating senior class of 2006 had 108 students
  • The graduating senior class of 2007 had 176 students
  • Total enrollment for third grade in 2006 was 259
  • Total enrollment in 1995 was 1967 students, in 2005 was 2712 (including pre-k)
  • Projected growth by 2010 is 3178 students
And:
  • Broom closets and under staircase spaces have been converted to classrooms, rooms have been partitioned to add more space
  • The district preschool had to be moved from GES to the annex building
  • 1st lunch at the high school is at 10:45; at GMS 10:40
  • Some teachers do not have permanent rooms and travel by cart to different classrooms – one of the only perks teachers ask for is a permanent base
  • Inadequate science lab space and equipment - some instruction has to be divided between classrooms taking away learning time to accommodate travel time
  • Inadequate computer access
  • There is not enough space in the high school auditorium for school assemblies
  • The stage at GMS has been converted to office space

Why we need more space: Then vs. Now

In the 1970's, similar numbers (2,722) of students were in the school system – why can't we accommodate them now?
  • Educational regulations have changed - no more study halls which could accommodate large numbers of students freeing up regular classroom space
  • Methods of education have changed - labs, computers which require more/specialized space
  • Educational research has shown there is less learning in overcrowded classrooms
  • Special education laws require usage of significant classroom space
Solutions to Space Needs
  • Short-term: Portables and/or use of the municipal center (after renovation)
  • Long-term: A new school - deemed most cost effective or additions/renovations to one or more of the existing buildings (dependent on state funding)
State Funding: How it Works
  • The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) determines which school districts have the greatest need
  • First priority is unsafe conditions, second priority is overcrowding as in Grafton
  • $500 million available this year
  • Statement of Interest (application for consideration of funding) submitted by Grafton and has made the first cut for a state feasibility study - one of 83 out of 423 applicants
  • Percent reimbursement anticipated: 50-80% of new construction or additions
  • The state will determine not only IF they will fund us but for which solution
  • If they offer funding - we will have 120 days to vote on the remaining portion
Town Process: How it Works
  • We will need some type of solution to our space needs within the next 1-2 years
  • No money in our existing funds to pay for any of the solutions; we will need a debt exclusion (prop. 2 ½ override ONLY for the life of the bond)
  • Town meeting vote (YOU MUST BE A REGISTERED VOTER) to allow special election ballot vote for funding – IF STATE FUNDING IS APPROVED, we have 120 days from that time for town meeting and special ballot
What happens if we don't approve the funds
  • We lose state funding. Opportunities for funding other projects involve re-application at the next fiscal year
  • Consequences of unaddressed overcrowding - UXBRIDGE example
    1. School choice - when quality is not considered adequate, parents can send children to other districts – town must pay the other school district
    2. Impending loss of accreditation of high school
    3. Decrease in property value – hard to sell
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Keep yourself aware of what's going on:
  • SSBC, School Committee, and Selectman meetings are televised on local cable
  • Check the Grafton News for updates
  • REGISTER TO VOTE - MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

For more complete information, visit: www.graftoneducation.org or send your questions to info@graftoneducation.org