Stratham Memorial School Breaks Ground on $11.9 Million Renovation Project

STRATHAM — With students and staff wearing hard hats, school officials broke ground on a new $11.9 million project that will renovate the Stratham Memorial School, bring the school up to code, and meet modern educational standards.

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Andriski welcomed the school community to a sunny groundbreaking ceremony behind the existing building, before School Building Committee Chairwoman Sophie Saltonstall, Fifth Grade Teacher Samantha Loh, and Fifth grader Nicky Khoury spoke to students and faculty in attendance about the possibilities the new school will bring. 

“This is a very special moment for our school,” said Loh. “As we break ground on our new addition, we’re not just adding classrooms and hallways, we’re adding to the story of our school. SMS has always been a place where students are challenged, cared for and inspired, and this project will make sure that continues for many years to come. These new spaces will help our school grow, while also preserving the gift that SMS has always given — the gift of learning, of friendship, and of community.”

Numerous building systems in the school have exceeded their natural life expectancy and parts of the school do not comply with building codes. Academic needs also have changed dramatically since the building was constructed more than 30 years ago, and more space is needed.

The renovation will replace the building’s boilers and roof, update the HVAC system, add sprinklers, and bring the school up to Americans with Disabilities Act codes. The project will also enlarge the cafeteria and nurses’ area, reconfigure the front office to improve security, replace lights with LEDs and add educational space. 

“When we first began thinking about SMS renovations, the task felt daunting — plans for an HVAC system, a new roof, classroom space, and countless updates all had to come together seamlessly. But with a dedicated team and the overwhelming support of taxpayers, we turned a complex challenge into an opportunity,” said School Committee Chair Jennifer Scrafford. “Through collaboration and thoughtful compromises, this project became more than just a renovation — it is a true investment in our community’s future. By coming together to make this vision a reality, taxpayers are helping build a brighter, stronger future for every student and every resident. Can’t wait to see the finished building!”

“The experiences we have in elementary school are foundational to our sense of self — if we are athletic, what we like in school, who we are friends with, and how alike or different we are from other kids. I feel so grateful to have been part of an all-star team to not only meet all academic and programmatic needs of the school, but to do so at less than a quarter of the initial price tag,” said Saltonstall. “I can’t wait to send my three little kids here, watching them go to SMS as I did when I was a little kid will be an incredible joy and privilege.”

“This is more than just a building,” said Khoury. “It’s a place where preschoolers learn how to be kind friends, where kindergarteners are inspired to learn something new every day, and where first graders learn to believe that they can do hard things and know themselves as learners.

“This is a place where second graders find a sense of belonging and representation, and where third graders ignite their curiosity for learning. SMS is where fourth graders learn to have grit and persevere, and where fifth graders take brave steps toward becoming leaders and role models. SMS is a place where every teacher and staff member pours their heart into helping each of us grow.”

Superintendent Andriski also thanked all the community stakeholders who came together, found common ground, and made this project possible. 

“As we heard from all of our speakers today, this building project is much more than bricks and mortar, it’s an investment in our children and our future,” said Superintendent Andriski. “Without the support of the building committee, school board and the Stratham community coming together as a unified group, it would have never been possible. I can’t thank everyone enough for all of the creative thinking and hard work that has gone into this project and I am excited to see how this project supports not only the needs of today’s students, but also those of future generations.”

“It’s incredibly exciting to see the hard work and vision of so many come to fruition. Spanning seven years, thirteen Board members, and three Superintendents, this renovation project exemplifies the commitment and incredible support of our community,” said SMS Principal Katherine Lucas. “Stratham Memorial is the heart of this town. The updated and safe spaces being created will ensure that our dedicated staff continues to provide excellent education and that every student has the tools they need to succeed. We’re not just renovating a building; we’re creating learning environments where our students will flourish.”