HAVERHILL – Superintendent Maureen Lynch is providing the following update regarding the Whittier Tech School Building Project and cost estimates that will inform voters’ decisions at the Jan. 23 districtwide referendum.
Whittier Tech is pursuing construction of a new building to best provide a 21st century technical education, creating graduates who will become a vital part of the region’s workforce needs for decades to come.
The current building was opened in 1973 and is in need of extensive repairs and code upgrades. The last significant renovation was a roof replacement in 2007.
The Whitter Tech School Building Committee, comprised of community representatives and people with expertise in finance and construction, studied numerous options involving both new construction and renovation at scheduled and announced public meetings.
The Committee moved forward with a plan to build a new school on the current grounds as the most affordable option. This plan has been vetted and approved by the Massachusetts School Building Authority, which maintains strict oversight over new construction projects. The Committee’s work may be found under “Important Documents” on the project website.
The plan for new construction is estimated to cost $444.6 million. With MSBA reimbursement and other grant funding, the District’s share is estimated at $267.5 million. The District informed sending communities in November 2022 of a initial District share of $292 million, which was reduced through ongoing efforts to find further cost-savings.
This plan will be voted on during a districtwide referendum set for Tuesday, Jan. 23, in Whittier’s 11 sending communities.
Should voters not approve a new building, Whittier officials must move forward with an extensive renovation project to address critical needs and ensure the building meets all current state and federal codes.
Original estimates calculated the renovation cost at $364.1 million. Officials in Haverhill, following a Dec. 11 meeting between Superintendent Lynch, Whittier Tech representatives, members of the project team and the City Council on Dec. 11, suggested the school seek a peer review of the renovation option.
Consigli, the project’s construction manager, reviewed initial estimates by project manager LeftField.
LeftField developed the following estimates:
- Wastewater Treatment Plant: $11,731,629
- Sprinkler System: $12,147,941
- New Access Road: $11,409,184
- Code Upgrade: $328,876,909
- Total Estimated Cost: $364,165,663
Consigli reviewed those estimates, focusing on construction costs, cost escalation and procurement strategies, and contingencies, and developed the following estimate:
- Wastewater Treatment Plant: $12,765,821
- Sprinkler System: $11,260,998
- New Access Road: $9,395,603
- Code Upgrade: $316,773,326
- Total Estimated Cost: $350,195,749
“This peer review by a respected company supports the idea that a new Whittier Tech is the most cost-effective way to support our mission, and that a necessary, prolonged renovation will cost taxpayers significantly more,” Superintendent Lynch said. “The numbers confirm the diligent research of the District, School Building Committee, and project team that led to the decision to pursue new construction.”
About the Project
In the interest of full transparency, Whittier Tech has created the Building the Future of Whittier website, which includes information, news, reports, updates, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
The site includes video presentations about the building project, and a tax calculator allowing residents to calculate the impact of the new school on their tax bills.
Whittier Tech staff will lead tours on Saturday, Jan. 13, allowing residents the opportunity to see current building conditions and ask questions about the project.
Those interested in touring the building are asked to sign up here.
Polls in all 11 sending communities will be open on Jan. 23, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., by agreement of all 11 city and town clerks.
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