SAU16 Provides Update on Stratham Memorial School Capital Improvement Project

EXETER — Superintendent Dr. Christopher Andriski and Principal Katherine Lucas report that renovations at Stratham Memorial School remain on schedule and within budget, with additional improvements scheduled for completion in summer 2027.

Planning for the capital improvement project began in 2019 following a facilities analysis and an educational programming analysis, when the District realized the Stratham Memorial needed a variety of renovations to better meet students’ needs.  In October 2024, the District continued to work through the planning and design process to officially kick off the renovation process.

The District partnered with Careno Construction to evaluate the school’s needs, establish priorities and develop a project plan and budget. An initial renovation proposal carried an estimated cost of $50 million. Through design review, cost estimating and early input from subcontractors, the team developed a $12 million project.    

Following a series of public presentations between January and March 2025, voters approved a $12 million bond to fund the work.

Jobin Construction Consultants and Careno Construction then assembled the design team and advanced the project through the spring and summer of 2025.

During the design process, the team identified two projects to complete before the main renovations: replacing the boiler and replacing the roof, including adding two inches of insulation. Both were completed in 2025.

During the 2025-26 school year, crews focused on investigative and exploratory work, design coordination, ordering equipment and materials, and work that could be completed without significantly disrupting school operations.

Improvements completed to date include:

• A new special services wing  
• An expanded cafeteria  
• Reconfigured administrative and interior spaces  
• Fire code upgrades, including building-wide sprinklers, an upgraded fire alarm system, magnetic door hold-open devices and updated emergency lighting  
• Accessibility improvements to stairs and signage  
• Structural upgrades  
• Replacement air-handling units and controls  
• New split heating and cooling systems in second-floor classrooms  
• LED lighting and motion controls  
• Additional classroom outlets  
• Building exterior improvements  
• Replacement ceilings

Savings within the base project budget have allowed the District to add window replacements, replacement of the library skylight and new flooring throughout the school. These additional improvements are scheduled for completion in summer 2027.

“These improvements will help us make better use of our space and meet our students’ needs,” said Superintendent Andriski. “I thank our Building Committee, Careno Construction and Jobin Construction Consultants for their work, and our residents for supporting this investment in the school. Our staff and students have been patient throughout the renovations, and we look forward to completing the remaining work next summer.”

“I was thrilled at the collaboration and insight from our partners at Careno Construction and Jobin Consultants for their unbelievable work,” said Principal Lucas. “It was wonderful to see our school building needs be not just met but exceeded our expectations. We are so excited to have our students utilize the newly renovated building that will last us for many years to come.”

Click here to view the District video, “60 in 16 this week: Stratham Memorial School”, to learn more about the renovations. 

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