GROVELAND — The town plans to expand Bagnall School so it can properly house all of its students. But before work takes place, parents and other residents will be informed about the details, including how much it will cost them.
The town's School Building Committee, which was formed in 2008, plans to have a public hearing later this month or early February to fill in the public and get feedback from parents and others.
"We just want to tell the people what the situation is so they can be mentally prepared when they have to open their wallets," said John Osborne, committee chairman. "Our next meeting with the architects is on Jan. 13, and we will be discussing a date for the hearing."
The committee will meet with architects from JCJ Architecture of Hartford, Conn.
Six months ago, the town gave the committee permission to spend up to $75,000 to plan the project. After interviewing several firms which submitted proposals, the committee signed a contract with JCJ for $54,000.
When Bagnall School was built in 1964, it was designed to house 400 students. The building was expanded in 1991 so it could hold 550 students. Two portable classrooms have since been added to accommodate another 40 students.
However, the student population is more than 700 now, causing space problems. The school houses children in kindergarten through grade eight.
The committee has been meeting with architects and a steering committee also had been formed.
"We were asked to form a steering committee to tell the architects precisely what the students would need if there is to be an expansion," said Bagnall Principal Elaine Champion.
She said Assistant Pentucket Superintendent Dr. William Hart recently shadowed a student at the school to see the difficulties students face.
A final design recommendation will be presented to residents at a public hearing in March, Osborne said. Then the plan will be placed on the agenda at the annual town meeting in late April, he said.
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