SAUGUS — The multi-million dollar renovation of two Saugus schools is expected to begin next month.
The town published a legal ad in The Item seeking design services for the renovation and additions to the Belmonte Middle School and Veterans Memorial Elementary School to accommodate new grade configurations.
As part of a reconstruction of the district, Veterans will be turned into a lower elementary school for all students in pre-kindergarten through second grade and Belmonte will be transformed into an upper elementary school for third- through fifth-graders.
The project could range from $17 million to $19 million, according to the ad.
Voters overwhelmingly supported two debt exclusions to allow for the construction of the new school and a restructuring of the entire district during a special election in June 2017.
The first question requested $160 million for a grades six through 12 combination middle and high school. The second sought support for a $25 million district-wide master plan that would restructure the district to include upper and lower elementary schools.
Following the election, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), the quasi-independent government agency that funds public schools, awarded the town a grant of up to $63.8 million to construct the middle-high school.
The master plan is a town project and is being pursued through the MSBA. The town’s share of the total project is estimated at $118 million, bonded over a 30-year period.
The new middle-high school is on track to open in 2020. When complete, it will enclose 270,000 square feet, including a 12,000-square-foot gymnasium and capacity for 1,360 students in grades six through 12. It will house state-of-the-art science labs and technology classrooms, fine and performing arts classrooms and a 750-seat auditorium. In addition, plans include a new sports complex and outdoor track, walking paths, outdoor classrooms, and student gardens. Administrative offices will be moved from the Roby Building into the new school.
The redesigns of Veterans and Belmonte are anticipated to start in early May and construction is expected to be completed in 2022.
Under the terms of the request for proposals, which was issued March 20, designers will be tasked with conducting schematic design, design development, and construction development and administration. The design will include the development and evaluation of potential alternative solutions for the spaces. Proposals are due by April 4 and a designer will be chosen by Town Manager Scott Crabtree.
