P.S Note, as well, that there is a Community Forum sponsored by the Walpole Site Based Committee for Walpole and North Walpole residents Wednesday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Walpole Elementary School to review with us the 2010-11 Proposed SAU60 General Fund Budget (up 1.32%), Walpole's portion of the budget (up .4% resulting in an overall 2.31% increase in property tax rate), the Fall Mountain building renovations, and the Proposed Teacher Contract. Childcare will be available (call 756-4241 to reserve space.) We will vote on these matters on March 9. Here's a chance for us to become informed enough to cast a responsible vote! CCB
Opportunity for Fall Mountain School District
The taxpayers of Fall Mountain Regional School District have a small window of opportunity to take advantage of New Hampshire Building Aid and bring much needed renovations to Fall Mountain Regional High School. State aid will likely disappear for new projects in July of 2010. The High School Capital Reserve Fund is in place, construction costs have plummeted and low interest rates make Article 1 on the school warrant an economically savvy choice.
A YES vote for the bond means that Fall Mountain Regional School District will raise $544,103 plus interest over six years. Thirty-three percent of the total cost will come from the Capital Reserve Fund. Fifty-five percent will be funded through the New Hampshire State Building Aid Fund. A No vote means the district will need to raise more than $3 million over the next 8 years to complete the needed repairs and upgrades at Fall Mountain Regional High School.
The High School Renovation Committee took a conservative approach in developing a plan of needs versus wants. Major improvements include:
- A new roof and insulation to address ongoing leaks and heating loss.
- Upgrades for code compliance needs with regard to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and NH State Fire Regulations.
- Improvements and upgrades to thirteen of the 45 (29%) classrooms.
- Replacement of a 29- year-old boiler and new heating controls throughout the building.
- Additional ADA compliant restroom stalls will be added in key locations.
- New vocational equipment that will replace items older than the building (1965).
- A new dishwasher and new convection ovens for the cafeteria.
- Renovation of physical education and locker room space.
- New windows and HVAC in critical areas that will bring down energy costs and improve the learning environment.
Local builders and suppliers will be hired where possible. The School Board will set up a Citizen’s Oversight Committee for accountability.
Additional information about the renovation can be found at www.fmrsd.org. Click on the FMRHS RENOVATION button to find plans, tax impact charts for each town, an informational brochure, and Frequently Asked Questions.
There will be an Open House with tours of the building on March 4, 2010, at Fall Mountain Regional High School beginning at 6 PM.
Please vote on March 9, 2010. Absentee ballots are available from each town’s clerk.