A group of engineers recently informed the city that it needed to make about $9.5 million in repairs to the exterior of Somerville High School over the next four years.
As a result of those projected costs, the city will study the short- and long-term needs of the school and consider the possibility of building a new high school.
The city is forming a working group to study the engineering report. In addition, the city will conduct a feasibility study that includes various options, including the option of building a new facility, possibly at a different location.
In light of this news, Somerville Patch wants to know, especially from students, parents, teachers and staff who spend time at the high school, what you think should be done. Fix the old school, or build a new one?
Paula Woolley
10:22 am on Friday, January 27, 2012
I would love to see a major renovation such as the one of Cambridge Rindge and Latin, which kept the historic aspects of that building. This would be in between your two options, since it wouldn't just involve repairing the problems...
Jonah Petri
8:03 pm on Friday, January 27, 2012
Isn't this poll a bit premature? Shouldn't we wait until the output of the working group is available?
I hate polls which encourage uninformed gut reaction. OTOH, if someone has good info, please share it here!
Linda
11:42 am on Saturday, January 28, 2012
Most old things are built better than anything new. Maybe if we save money on doing a renovation rather than rebuild we could put extra into something really forward-thinking like solar panels. Your poll asks a leading question because the vote for new says you think kids DESERVE new as if a renovation is certainly less good.
Lucas Rogers
7:47 pm on Saturday, January 28, 2012
The existing school is incredible handsome, full of memories, and an important part of Somerville's landscape. I hope it's repaired and survives another century. I went to high school in an old building, and I loved it. Save the High School!
Lucas Friedlaender
7:46 am on Sunday, January 29, 2012
The H.S. is old and inefficient. The next time you see the black cloud plume rising out of the smokestack you should ask yourself if this is the type of building worth saving. I say absolutely not. Problem is... where to build the new building? I would be unwilling to give up Trum, but maybe we can move DPW and put new HS in its place? Even if we give up a park with the intention of converting the existing HS site into a new park after demo, that site on top of the hill would be a windswept location.
I would like to find a way to house the students temporarily and demo the old building (probably keep the newer addition), and build a showpiece school symbolic of where we are headed and indicative of our commitment to education.