The Capital Planning and Investment Committee is taking a close look at the school department’s fiscal 2025 requests for $2.5 million to cover 10 capital projects. More than 90% of that amount would be devoted to upgrades, repairs, and renovations to the Bromfield School, with the goal of extending the building’s useful life well into the future. “What we’re trying to do,” Superintendent Linda Dwight said, “is to make Bromfield last as long as possible.”
At a Nov. 30 meeting, School Committee Chair Abby Besse, Assistant Superintendent for Finance Ingrid Nilsson, and Dwight responded to questions from CPIC about the fiscal 2025 capital projects. Unfortunately, Patrick Harrigan, the school facilities director, is currently on sick leave and was unable to take part in the meeting.
By far the largest item on the school list was $1.7 million to replace Bromfield’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC). In past years, the school department has sought much smaller amounts to upgrade a few HVAC units at a time. But last year, CPIC said that approach was not cost effective. The capital committee told the schools to make a larger, one-time request and achieve some economies of scale by replacing all the old units at once.
Dwight said the $1.7 million amount is a place-holder until the schools can obtain a more specific quote. The proposal is ready to go out to potential bidders, she said, but is on hold until Harrigan returns from leave and can assist bidders as they look at the building. The schools have also been working with the Harvard Energy Advisory Committee on ways to improve energy efficiency in Bromfield’s heating and cooling systems, Dwight told CPIC.
Also a high-priority project at Bromfield is rebuilding the retaining wall and the ramp outside the Cronin Auditorium. According to the school request, the retaining wall is collapsing, and the deteriorating ramp does not meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Another school request linked to the Americans with Disabilities Act is replacing the seats in the Cronin Auditorium to provide the required number of wheelchair spaces and aisle seats with removable armrests, as well as removing all the broken seats and damaged upholstery. Other Bromfield requests cover ongoing projects such as renovating the gym, replacing old flooring and rusty lockers, and upgrading the restrooms. The district also hopes to replace some broken sports equipment like hurdles and nets, and to rebuild some facilities, such as the batting cages at the Pond Road fields.
Only one capital request—for $21,437—relates to the Hildreth Elementary School. For student safety, Dwight said, there should be a chainlink fence between the parking lot and the play area. CPIC member Mike Derse weighed in to support the request, saying “I see balls all the time in the parking lot.”
A capital request that would apply to both school buildings is $65,000 for a used plow truck. Dwight said the Department of Public Works is busy clearing the town roads and can do only a quick pass on the school driveways. The schools must plow the parking lots. Having those lots cleared, Dwight pointed out, is a big factor in whether the schools can open for the day or not.
CPIC was scheduled to vote on the requests Thursday, Dec. 7.
