NEWS!
Superintendent's Spotlight Video Tour Superintendent Dan Gutekanst and the Needham Channel produced two 10-minute videos tours of Newman to explain the repair and renovation needs and solutions. Check it out on UTube by clicking on these links: |
Needham Voters Approve Newman Project Override
On December 8, 2009 approximately 43% of Needham's voters turned out to vote on the Newman override. About 56% supported the override and 44% voted against it. The override authorized the expenditure of $27.4 million. The Town will ultimately be responsible for $18.8 million with the remainder reimbursed by the State.
The PPBC and the architects will now move on to the design phase. Look for future updates on this website as we continue to provide up-to-date information on the project.
Town Meeting Unanimously Approved Newman Expenditure
At their November 2 session, Town Meeting members unanimously approved spending $27.4 million -- $8.6 million of which is slated for State reimbursement -- for the Newman renovation project. The approval is contingent upon a successful override by the voters on December 8.
Information about the Newman project presented to Town Meeting members and parents on October 28
Selectmen and Finance Committee voted to Support Newman Override
The Selectmen voted to support the override and place it on the Decemer 8 ballot. This was in response to an October 6 School Committee recommendation. Click here to view the October 6 School Committee powerpoint.
MSBA Approves $8.6M Funding
On September 30, the MSBA voted unanimously to reimburse the Town of Needham for up to $8,598,927 of the Newman Renovation project. This amount represents 40% of allowable costs, which includes most of the building costs less the modulars that will temporarily house students during construction. The Town now has 120 days to pass a capital override. Needham's local share will be the difference between the total project costs and $8,598,927. For more about MSBA funding and project finances, click here for Financing the Project.
Newman Renovation Updates
- A ballot question is planned to be presented to Needham voters on December 8 to support the renovation of Newman Elementary School.
- If approved it will replace the heating and ventilation system, bring the building up to code, and update the kitchen and auditorium -- thus extending the life of Newman as a school site for years to come.
- Reimbursement of $8,598,927 from the Massachusetts School Building Authority has been approved pending voter approval of the project.
Welcome to the Newman Renovation Information Pages |
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Problems with Heating and Ventilation (H/V)
The renovation is prompted by the failure during the 07-08 school year of a 50-year-old heating and ventilation system. Concurrently, a small number of Newman students and staff also experienced respiratory and other symptoms which resulted in the closing of the library and other spaces while indoor air quality monitoring, inspections, and a remediation effort could be undertaken. In August 2008 a temporary heating and ventilation system was installed in sections of the building affected by the HV failure. The building is now safe, though the temporary solution is expensive to operate.
The Long-Term Solution
The current project provides a permanent fix for the HV problems and concurrently upgrades the building's infrastructure to extend Newman's useful life. A series of feasibility studies and thoughtful consideration of the best long-term solutions for Newman resulted in a proposed $27.4 M plan that provides a permanent HVAC solution, includes required code, access and fire suppression upgrades, and tackles some needed infrastructure improvements that are cost-effective once the building is disassembled:
HVAC, Code/ADA Upgrades, Repairs, Ceilings, Roof, Sprinklers |
$20,400,000 |
Used modular classrooms, site prep and site restoration |
$4,900,000 |
Kitchen Renovation and New Equipment |
$700,000 |
Technology Infrastructure |
$400,000 |
Auditorium Lighting, Catwalks, Sound System |
$650,000 |
Nurse, Guidance, Administration Renovation |
$350,000 |
TOTAL |
$27,400,000 |
MSBA Reimbursement Up to 40%
On September 30 the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) will vote on partnering with Needham and supporting the project with 40% of the costs (not including relocation of students). If the MSBA approves the funding, an override must be enacted within 120 days.
Information and Questions
This website is intended to provide Needham staff and community members with up-to-date and complete information about the project. Use the links on the left to access documents and specific information about the project, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Please direct questions to Mark_McAneny@needham.k12.ma.us
We hope you find this website helpful.
Dan Gutekanst
Superintendent of Schools
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