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| Saving Wellesley
High School Makes Sense (The Wellesley
Townsman – 09/18/2008) By the Wellesley High School Preservation Committee Saving Wellesley High School makes sense A new high school building in Wellesley is not a “done deal” despite the on-going attempts of the School Building Committee to give that impression. The SBC is trying to promote the demolition of the solidly built Wellesley High School. Their proposed replacement is a second-rate, cookie-cutter structure unworthy of the town. Renovation and addition to the existing Wellesley High School make sense. Here’s why: Educational sense. Wellesley High School has achieved national prominence as an educational institution in its present functional building. Renovation of the existing school will enable this proud legacy to continue. Sustainable sense. The greenest building is the one that already exists. A new green building would require many years to pay back the money and energy wasted by tearing down Wellesley High School. The cost of demolition has been quoted at $ 4.65 million. By renewing our present high school, we can set a new international standard for the imaginative, sustainable reuse of existing buildings. Financial sense. The cost of building new at $ 135 million siphons funds from more urgent needs, such as hiring and keeping the best teachers, and achieving small class size for optimal education. A renovation/addition option is far more economical, but the SBC has failed to put a legitimate renovation/addition option before the town for public consideration. The Massachusetts School Building Authority will support and reimburse a renovation/addition approach. Cultural sense. Wellesley High School is one of the town’s most important buildings and has been recognized nationwide. It has served the community well as a center for school, civic, and celebratory events that belong to all of Wellesley’s citizens. Wellesley has been proud of its High School for 70 years as a symbol of quality education in the community. We can be proud of it again. Common sense. Wellesley High School has suffered from many years of neglect. It is time for repairs and upgrades. Wellesley doesn’t need to build a new high school in order to have a new high school.
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