HAVERHILL – Superintendent Maureen Lynch and the Whittier Tech School Committee, in advance of a districtwide vote on a new school building, wish to share with the community a series of videos that spotlight the project and how Whittier is a key component in the regional economy.
A series of five videos, posted on the Building the Future of Whittier website, address an array of topics:
- Current conditions at Whittier Tech, which is 50 years old and no longer meets the needs of a 21st century technical education.
- The great value Whittier brings to its district by performing community service projects — at cost — that increase quality of life in its 11 sending cities and towns. These include both building projects and support of senior meals including Meals on Wheels.
- The school co-op program, which gives students practical experience through partnerships with local businesses.
- Projected challenges in the construction trades, and how Whittier will help fill those positions.
- Whittier’s Adult Evening Education Program, which trains unemployed or underemployed post-graduates to enter high-demand fields in high-paying positions, and offers personal enrichment programs.
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. This work is estimated to cost $350.1 million to $364.1 million.
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.
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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