The High School Building Committee is weighing options and looking for an answer to the question of which choice is best, continuing repairs and renovations of the present structure or building anew.

By Sal Ghamo

On February 3, The High School Building Committee gathered at Argenziano School to discuss future plans and meetings that will potentially disseminate information to the public regarding the next steps in their building assessment process.

In addition to reaching the public with all the information necessary to understand these future plans, the committee is currently working on a Preliminary Design Program (PDP) submission for the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). A very general layout of possible design plans have been published. This includes possible base repair to the existing high school, total renovation meaning a new build on the existing site, or a new build on the Trum/DPW site.

The committee is still discussing the sequential timeline in relation to site selection. The idea is that the group needs a quorum to move the process forward as deadlines for submissions approach.

The MSBA has already contacted the committee and informed them that individuals are lined up to accept the PDP within the next two weeks. A cost analysis is being lined up with the PDP submission. PMA has provided a presentation about current market data, where items such as inflation and escalation were considered.

Alderman at Large Mary Jo Rossetti has expressed how important public outreach is. A subcommittee has been formed to make reaching the residents of Somerville a crucial factor in the new building process. A videography from a student’s perspective is in the works, as are brochures that are to be distributed to the public explaining developments concerning the project.

For now, individuals can navigate their way to the City of Somerville’s main website (http://www.somervillema.gov), as well as Somerville’s Public Schools website (http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us) to better understand the current status of the plan.

Committee officials removed themselves from disclosing any information regarding a timeline for completion, or what the cost of the building is expected be, until their February 10 vote at the East Somerville Community School Library, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Note: SHS Building Committee to vote on proposals for new high school, Feb. 10

During its Wed., Feb. 10, meeting, the Somerville High School Building Committee (SBC) will vote to submit the educational plan created by the school department, and options being considered for renovation or replacement of the current school.

Wednesday’s meeting will be held at the East Somerville Community School beginning at 5:30 p.m., and all members of the public are welcome to come and hear discussion on the proposals.