MEMORIAL CONSTRUCTION TIME LAPSE VIDEO
TIME LAPSE VIDEO FOR MEMORIAL CONSTRUCTION
REFERENDUM BACKGROUND
On Tuesday, October 2, Emerson Public Schools will consider a bond referendum vote to make essential improvements to all Memorial Elementary School, Patrick M. Villano Elementary School and Emerson Junior/Senior High School. This proposal addresses the needs that were identified by a citizen-led facilities committee as the most pressing and vital to the quality of our community's schools. For context, the district’s last referendum (more than 20 years ago in 1995) upgraded windows, roofs, boilers, bathrooms, and classroom ventilation. This proposed referendum is more focused on educational quality so Emerson students are prepared for their future and so that our schools can remain competitive.
Years of forethought, analysis and community involvement led to this proposal. As part of the 2015-2020 District Strategic Plan, school and community leaders established a wide variety of goals for the school district. One significant component of that plan called for Emerson to improve the schools so as to accommodate growth, modernization, flexibility, health, and safety for staff and students. This plan was presented to the Board of Education during a public meeting held in August 2016 and offered a detailed list of recommendations. The Emerson Board of Education considered and collected further input from the district's architect and financial advisors. In a desire to be fiscally responsible, they significantly reduced the proposal to prioritize the most necessary improvements.
The total cost of the renovations and upgrades are estimated at $13,368,446. With voter approval, estimated state aid will contribute about $2,389,062 over the life of the bond, reducing the local share to $10,979,384. This school improvement plan would have a tax impact estimated at $23.00 per month ($276 per year) for a home assessed at the borough average of $439,049.
PLANS BY SCHOOL
MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
- Build a new security-enhanced entrance vestibule
- Build nine new full-sized classrooms and four small-group instruction spaces
- Eliminate trailers used as temporary classrooms for six years
- Construct new Gymnasium/Multi-Purpose Room, main entrance and additional classroom space
- Convert former Memorial Media Center and adjacent prep room to a new Art Room
- Convert former MPR/Gym into a new modern Media Center and Music Room.
- Convert the kitchen into a parent meeting/conference room
- Build a new, enlarged and fenced playground
- Upgrade electrical service
- Reconstruct main parking lot with additional parking spaces
PATRICK M. VILLANO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
- Renovate five classrooms with an energy-efficient HVAC system
- Upgrade the fire alarm system
- Convert rooms in the gym lobby into a kitchen prep area
- Move band/music instruction off the stage and move classrooms out of the basement
EMERSON JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
- Build a new security-enhanced entrance vestibule
- Add a new wing comprised of three modern laboratory-equipped science classrooms
- Convert former science classrooms to modern classrooms
- Upgrade the fire alarm system
- Renovate locker rooms
PLAN HIGHLIGHTS
SECURITY ENHANCEMENT
- Remodel EJSHS’s main entrance to create an enclosed, secure vestibule
- Renovate entrances at Memorial and add safety enhancements at other buildings, including new fire warning systems
- Eliminate trailers at Memorial, and bring the Pre-K classes into Memorial School
- Create secure access to the Wellness Center and Auxiliary Gym at EJSHS
- Reposition the Memorial playground to create an enclosed recreation area
EDUCATIONAL SPACE
- Move students and instruction off the stage and out of the basement and into appropriate classrooms at both Memorial and Villano Elementary Schools
- At Memorial, discontinue the use of trailers and build nine new classrooms
- Convert the former Memorial Media Center and adjacent prep room to a new Art Room. Modify the former Memorial Gymnasium to repurpose it as a Media Center and Music Room. This improvement would end the practice of offering instruction on rolling carts.
- At Villano, create instructional space by shifting the third grade to Memorial. This will end the practice of instruction in the school basement and on the cafeteria stage.
- At EJSHS, construct a new wing comprised of three modern laboratory-equipped science classrooms to replace the decades-old lab space, and convert former lab space into classrooms
- Districtwide, install climate control systems, including air conditioning, to all new and renovated spaces
EXTERIOR REDESIGN
- Reposition Memorial playground to create an enclosed recreation area that will help keep our youngest students safe
- Both Memorial and EJSHS will have newly redesigned entrances adding to both the security of the building as well as their aesthetic appeal
- Improve traffic flow and parking at Memorial
AFTER-SCHOOL SPACE
- Build a new Multi-Purpose Room/Gymnasium at Memorial with storage, new kitchen, and spectator seating. This facility would be used for school programs, Emerson Recreation, Boys and Girls Club, and community events. The Board of Education is proud to present an addition whose use will extend beyond the school day and support various Emerson town organizations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BOND REFERENDUM FLYER
REFERENDUM VIDEO
EMERSON BOND REFERENDUM VIDEO
FLYOVER VIDEO
EMERSON REFERENDUM - FLYOVER VIDEO
FLYOVER VIDEO
EMERSON REFERENDUM - FLYOVER VIDEO
REFERENDUM PUBLIC PRESENTATION
RENDERINGS
CONCEPT RENDERINGS
DOCUMENT ARCHIVE
The path to an October 2 bond referendum started in 2014 when Emerson Public Schools started work on it's District Strategic Plan 2015-2020. Throughout 2016, a citizen-led Facility Review Committee used that plan to make recommendations. The school board took those suggestions, prioritized the needs, considered financial and architectural inputs, and fine-tuned a proposal. There have been plenty of changes along the way. This page is a repository for the historical background, but it does not include the most up-to-date information.
REFERENDUM-ARCHIVED DOCUMENTS