It’s the news story that isn’t surprising news. The votes are in, and they say that the one-level, 15-classroom Hunnewell Elementary School that currently holds 260 students should be torn down and replaced with a new two-story, 19-classroom building that will educate 350 – 375 students.
Earlier this month the Board of Selectmen (BOS) voted to affirm the School Building Committee’s (SBC) recommendation that Hunnewell be a from-scratch project. Then on June 24 the School Committee agreed with the BOS and the SBC and voted 4 – 0 for a new structure.
The voting isn’t over yet, however. Next, the question of funding must be put to Town Meeting. In addition, an as-yet unresolved issue is the question of where to educate students during construction.
As for the Hardy and Upham Schools, the emphasis right now is on doing a Feasibility Study on both sites.
Wellesley has seven elementary schools. Hardy, Hunnewell, and Upham are the three schools that have been under consideration for either renovation or teardown/rebuild.
Alan Greenwood says
This boondoggle is just what you would expect in the world capital of teardowns!
Roll on with other extravaganza Wellesley and watch your taxes go jnto orbit!
Elinor Williams says
I agree with Mr. Greenwood:
It is outrageous that this town has torn down so many beautiful buildings including nice starter homes. When I lived in this town, it had a nice wide range of affordable housing along with good schools. Why can’t the school buildings be upgraded to meet the requirements of the most updated technology without demolition? It seems like this town just want make this town into a playground for the ultra wealthy. Further more, why do we need more school buildings when we are heading to online education?