New elementary school in Old Town would likely have traditional design

OLD TOWN – The public was offered a first look at plans for the new elementary school, but only three members of the public showed up for the school committee’s informational meeting Tuesday night. Superintendent Owen Maurais said he was not disappointed by the meager turnout.

“A lot of information, along with the concept designs, were printed in the local weekly paper,” he said after the meeting. “I think that answered a lot of questions the public had about the school. But this is not a done deal. We’re still in the process of developing the design. We’re open to input.”

Consensus on whether most classrooms will be designed in the traditional rectangular shape or the more unusual L-shape appeared to be settled, according to the superintendent. The group of teachers, administrators, school board members and residents are leaning toward the traditional design.

Last week, members of the building committee seriously discussed traveling to Lincoln, Neb., to tour the only elementary school that has incorporated the L-design, which is believed by educators to offer teachers more flexibility. Maurais said Tuesday night that that trip would not be necessary.

“We felt we got enough information over the phone about what’s happened nationally with that design that we didn’t need to make the trip,” he said. “The more traditional classroom design is very appropriate for our needs.”

Maurais also reported that he has been talking with City Manager Paul Mazzaccaro about what might happen to the four schools that will close if the new school is approved by voters this spring.

The superintendent said that the school district might share the Herbert Sargent School, constructed in the 1960s, with the city. The school department could keep six of the classrooms and convert them to offices for the departments of curriculum, special education, food services, adult education and the superintendent. The gym, kitchen and one classroom could be used by the city as a community center or for other activities, according to Maurais.

“We need to take care of the needs of people in the Old Town community first, as we look at how to best utilize the old schools,” he said. “When we look at getting the referendum passed, we need to tell the community what might happen to these buildings.”

Maurais also told the school board that the Herbert Gray School, built in the 1920s, probably should be demolished and the land used for new recreational fields. The city is considering using the Helen Hunt School as the site for its new public safety building. He suggested the Jefferson Street School be offered for sale.