For five long years, the fate of the old high school remained stalled by astronomical price tags and bureaucratic inertia. After a series of expensive consultant studies and committees that led nowhere, local officials finally saw a glimmer of hope during Monday’s select board meeting. Architects from the Brewster Thornton Group presented a set of scaled back options that suggest renovating the landmark property won’t require the staggering tens of millions previously feared.
Rather than attempting a total overhaul all at once, the new strategy focuses on incremental progress. The proposals range from a modest 1.42 million dollar project to house basic educational programs for the Council on Aging to a more comprehensive 5 million dollar plan. This preferred option would allow both those educational programs and Town Hall Annex offices to move in, providing essential ADA improvements and an elevator without bankrupting the town treasury.
Select board member Jake McGuigan expressed relief at receiving realistic figures, noting that previous plans were simply incompatible with the community’s financial reality. Even a larger 42 million dollar master plan presented during the meeting was viewed as manageable because it functions as an a la carte menu of improvements rather than a mandatory lump sum. This approach allows leadership to prioritize necessities while saving luxury additions for when funding becomes available through grants or later votes.
Despite the optimism, challenges remain regarding complex building codes and fire safety regulations that will dictate exactly how these spaces can be used. Board chairwoman Shana Teas called the findings an encouraging starting point, though attendees warned that the plan must be simplified before being presented to voters. Since any final decision requires approval via debt exclusion at next year’s Town Meeting, transparency and clarity will be vital if construction is to actually begin by fiscal year 2028.
