Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Renovations Underway at Belmonte School as Part of District-Wide Master Plan Solution - October 22, 2020

Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Renovations Underway at Belmonte School as Part of District-Wide Master Plan Solution

(Saugus, MA) October 22, 2020 – Saugus Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree, the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee and the School Building Committee are pleased to announce that construction is underway at Belmonte School to make necessary renovations to the structure and convert the previously grades 6-8 Middle School into an Upper Elementary School serving grades 2-5.

This renovation is the second phase in the Town's comprehensive, District-Wide Master Plan Solution, which will change the way education is delivered in the community and help the school district achieve its goal to become a top-rated school district in Massachusetts.

“It is extremely exciting to see the community’s vision become a reality after years of working together on this collaborative effort,” said Town Manager Crabtree.  “This District-Wide Master Plan Solution, when paired with the newly implemented 21st Century Education Plan that was approved and adopted by the School Committee, will continue to change the way education is delivered and valued within our community.”  “We are all hoping for the pandemic to pass so that our students can enjoy this tremendous educational facility that the residents of Saugus overwhelmingly supported,” stated Crabtree.

The renovations to Belmonte School will include but may not be limited to:

Upgrades to all classrooms, including instructional technology, all new furnishings and new classroom storage and finishes;

Updated finishes to all public areas;

New bleachers, lighting and sports flooring at the gymnasium;

New age-appropriate furnishings, lighting and finishes at the media center and cafeteria;

Reconfiguration and upgrades the school’s administration area to include a secure main entrance and updated offices and support areas;

Resurfacing parking and roadways;

Drainage upgrades and improvements;

Construction of a new play area that is age-appropriate for Upper Elementary School students, located at the rear of the site.

In addition, the existing shop wing will be renovated into a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) center with maker space, science and arts classrooms and new District Administration offices with a separate visitor entrance.

The first phase of the District-Wide Master Plan Solution entailed the demolition of the Town’s previous high school and subsequent construction of a brand-new, grades 6-12 Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Middle-High School.

In June of 2017, an overwhelming majority of Saugus residents voted to support a new, 21st century education plan, Middle-High School and District-Wide Master Plan Solution that will continue to prioritize education within the community. Following the 71% approval vote, the MSBA awarded the Town a grant of up to $63.8 million to build the Middle-High School.

The newly completed Middle-High School complex totals 270,000 square feet, including a 12,000 square-foot gymnasium and capacity for 1,360 students in grades 6-12. It houses state-of-the-art science labs and technology classrooms, fine and performing arts classrooms and a 750-seat auditorium. In addition, it includes a new sports complex and outdoor track, walking paths, outdoor classrooms and student gardens.

The third and final phase of the District-Wide Master Plan Solution will include upgrades to the Veterans Memorial School to convert the school into an Early Elementary School for pre-K to grade 1. Construction on this phase of the project is slated to begin in the spring of 2021.

Overall, the new, 21st century education plan, Middle-High School and District-Wide Master Plan Solution will:

Facilitate the School District’s goal of improving the school district’s educational achievements gaps;

Allow the School District to provide fair and equal access to all students enabling them to reach their highest potential and to continue to prioritize education;

Maintain accreditation with New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC); and

Address health and safety issues including identified deficiencies in fire protection, sprinkler systems, and ADA accessibility, ensuring that children are in the safest and most secure schools.

“These necessary improvements to our School District will provide equal, equitable opportunities for students to access educational resources and reach their highest potential,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “These positive changes are a tremendous credit to Town officials and the residents of Saugus in supporting and investing in our children and educational system.”

For more information on the project, contact the Town Manager’s office at 781-231-4111.