SAUGUS — Construction has begun at the Belmonte School on Dow Street to make the necessary repairs for conversion of the former middle school to an upper elementary building for Grades 2 through 5.
The renovation is the second phase in the town’s district-wide Master Plan Solution. The plan aims to change the way education is delivered in the community, with hopes of helping the school district achieve its goal to become a top-rated school district in Massachusetts, Town Manager Scott Crabtree said.
“It is extremely exciting to see the community’s vision become a reality after years of working together on this collaborative effort,” said Crabtree. “This district-wide Master Plan Solution, when, paired with the newly-implemented 21st Century Education Plan that was approved and adopted by the School Committee, will continue to change the way education is delivered and valued within our community.
“We are all hoping for the pandemic to pass so that our students can enjoy this tremendous educational facility that the residents of Saugus overwhelmingly supported,” Crabtree said.
Among the renovations are upgrades to all classrooms, including instructional technology, all new furnishings and new classroom storage and finishes; updated finishes to all public areas; new bleachers, lighting and sports flooring at the gymnasium; new age-appropriate furnishings, lighting and finishes at the media center and cafeteria; reconfiguration and upgrades of the school’s administration area to include a secure main entrance and updated offices and support areas; resurfacing parking and roadways; drainage upgrades and improvements; and construction of a new play area that is age-appropriate for upper elementary school students, located at the rear of the site.
Also, the existing shop wing will be renovated into a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) center with maker space, science and arts classrooms and new District Administration offices with a separate visitor entrance.
The first phase of the plan entailed the building of the new middle-high school in conjunction with the Massachusetts School Building Association (MSBA) and demolition of the previous building.
In June 2017, the plan was endorsed by an overwhelming majority of Saugus residents. Following the 71-percent vote, the MSBA awarded the town a grant of up to $63.8 million to build the Middle-High School.
The newly completed school complex totals 270,000 square feet, including a 12,000 square-foot gymnasium and capacity for 1,360 students in grades 6-12. It houses state-of-the-art science labs and technology classrooms, fine and performing arts classrooms and a 750-seat auditorium. In addition, it includes a new sports complex and outdoor track, walking paths, outdoor classrooms and student gardens.
The final phase will include upgrades to the Veterans Memorial School to convert the school into an early-elementary school for pre-K to Grade 1. Construction on this phase of the project is slated to begin in the spring.
Overall, the plan will facilitate the school district’s goal of improving its educational achievements gaps; allow the district to provide fair and equal access to all students, enabling them to reach their highest potential and to continue to prioritize education; maintain accreditation with New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC); and address health and safety issues including identified deficiencies in fire protection, sprinkler systems, and ADA accessibility, ensuring that children are in the safest and most secure schools.
“These necessary improvements to our school district will provide equal, equitable opportunities for students to access educational resources and reach their highest potential,” said Crabtree. “These positive changes are a tremendous credit to Town officials and the residents of Saugus in supporting and investing in our children and educational system.”
