District-wide elementary school plan to go before Swampscott Town Meeting

SWAMPSCOTT – After several years of planning, residents at Special Town Meeting Monday night are expected to vote on the proposal to build a district-wide elementary school.The article asks the town to authorize $52,644,414 for a new school for grades 1-4 to replace the aging Clarke, Stanley and Hadley schools. The building would be located behind the middle school on Forest Avenue. The Clarke School would be converted into an early childhood center for pre-K and kindergarten students.The cost also includes demolishing the Stanley School to create athletic field space. Under the proposal, the town would pay $35,788,791, while the Massachusetts School Building Authority, which gave final approval to the plan in July, would contribute $16,855,623.If that article is approved by a two-thirds majority, residents will vote on passing a debt exclusion at the town-wide Nov. 4 election.In addition to the elementary school matter, the warrant has an article on installing an elevator and making other handicap-accessible improvements at the Clarke School for its potential new use.Other articles include approving $5,000 for a town historical property survey and allowing $65,000 to be spent on repairing and upgrading the heating systems at Town Hall, the high school and the library. The article notes the systems “have not been properly upgraded over the years” and that the work would lead to utility cost savings. Residents will also vote on whether the Board of Selectmen can permit restaurant owners who have a wine and malt beverage license to sell cordials and liqueurs.Special Town Meeting will take place Monday at 7 p.m. at Swampscott High School, 200 Essex St. The warrant can be viewed on the town website, town.swampscott.ma.us, by clicking “More” under “News & Notices” on the right rail of the page.