Saugus Town Hall. File Photo
By Bridget Turcotte
SAUGUS — Saugus is envisioning a combination middle and high school.
The initial plan for the yet-to-be-built school includes a coffee shop, students lounges, 3D printing and better security.
Earlier this week, the School Building Committee sent the plan for a grade 6 through 12 facility to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for approval. The quasi-independent agency funds capital improvement projects in the state’s public schools.
The School Committee passed the plan, drafted by Superintendent David DeRuosi, last week.
“We are going forward with a 6 to 12,” said Jeannie Meredith, chairwoman of both panels. “We can change some of the language but we can’t change the premise.”
Town Manager Scott Crabtree said the decision to go with a combination school rather than a stand-alone high school is driven by the curriculum outlined in the education plan.
Lori Cowles, principal of Cambridge-based HMFH Architects Inc. said it would cost $62 million to renovate the existing 193,200 square-foot high school and bring it up to code. The cost would not include educational improvements. To renovate each of the district’s school buildings, besides Veterans Memorial Elementary School, which is in better condition, would cost about $110 million, she said.
The cost of a new building project is not known, said Crabtree. In comparison, Lynn Public Schools recently built a $92 million middle school through a partnership with the MSBA. Eighty percent of the cost or $70.2 million, will be reimbursed to the city.
Crabtree said the focus is to create a total facilities capital plan that addresses the district. Looking ahead, the Belmonte Middle School could be considered for an upper elementary school for grades 3 through 5.
Meredith said a location has not been chosen. But the site of the high school on Pearce Memorial Drive is the most viable option, she added. The Cedar Glen Golf Course and a 63-acre property owned by the school department known as the Curley Property were also considered, she said.
The panel will have the opportunity to change the language of the education and space plans as the project progresses, Meredith said. The documents will not be finalized with the MSBA until they reach the design phase. Included in the documents is the need for a security upgrade.
“The site now has 45 entrances with only one monitored by a camera and entry system, the document said. “There are no cameras in the hallways or common areas. In fact the only working camera is positioned to monitor the main entrance without recording capabilities.”
The committee would like to see a security system at the main entry point and cameras at all entry points, hallways and common areas. The design of the building would include “crime prevention through design so as to provide a more protective environment.”
Each student would be issued a Chromebook laptop with wireless throughout. The most prominent of which would be the Learning Commons, which would be a shared space for information technology, online education, tutoring, collaborating for group projects, reading or studying.
A Maker Space would be a similar facility with a focus on creativity. Students could gather to create and invent using a 3D printer, software, electronics, craft and hardware supplies and tools.
The Coding and Web/Graphic Design Lab and 3D Design and Computer Aided Design Lab would also both be equipped with 3D printers. The program is intended to leave students prepared to enter an associates program, followed by employment as a CAD professional.
A Starbucks style student lounge would be adjacent to the cafeteria. It would offer Wi-Fi access, tables and light refreshments for a small cost.
A large gymnasium with an indoor track, batting cage nets and bleachers is included as a common space. Other fitness facilities would be a weight, strength and conditioning fitness facility to be used by classes and after school. It would be equipped with a variety of machines, free weights, and a stretching area. It would be open to staff and town employees during additional hours.
“We now have a direction,” Crabtree said. “This is the jump off point. Now we can get things going.”
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.