(Westfield News- Amy Porter) — At the Jan. 9 School Committee meeting, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski reported that he, business manager Shannon Barry and director of operations Christopher Rogers will be attending an MSBA superintendent roundtable next week about the new procedures in place for submitting a statement of interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for new projects.
The Westfield administrative team will then meet with the School Committee facilities subcommittee to discuss seeking state reimbursement to build a new high school. It could be the start of a multi-year application process, the superintendent said.
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He talked about some of the recent investments made in the high school building, including $500,000 to replace the roof over the gym and locker room a few years ago; $900,000 to repair the swimming pool; $100,000 to upgrade the exterior of the parking lot; $200,000 to replace the exterior doors, $10,000 for a new carpet and counter in the main office and guidance suite, another $10,000 for new carpeting and sound system in the auditorium; and the $1 million earmark from state Sen. John Velis that will be used to upgrade the science labs.
He said with the significant investments the School Department has made, he is not sure WHS would qualify for a new high school. He said the lower campus of the Westfield Technical Academy was built in 1962, and the upper campus in 1931, adding that the WTA would probably qualify for the program.
“I think building one school will make the project possible,” Czaporowski said, adding, “The other benefit would be to save money on staff instead of dividing our resources, and to provide more opportunities for students.” He said the state wants the district to expand its technical opportunities for students.