PELHAM — Selectmen voted unanimously Tuesday to let the school district use six storage rooms in the municipal building for preschool classrooms to serve students with special needs.
Federal law requires public schools to provide services to 3- and 4-year-olds with special needs
Pelham has about 25 of these children receiving instruction and therapy in portable classrooms used for kindergarten. But school officials don't expect to have room for the preschool program in the portables next year.
Superintendent Frank Bass told selectmen the district is in a bind with no long-term space for these classes.
It is looking to the town — and the use of its rooms — for an economical solution.
The selectmen's vote is contingent on residents approving the plan at Town Meeting in March.
The vote is also contingent on the school district furnishing the town with a detailed room renovation plan. In addition, district officials must provide selectmen a cost analysis of the estimated $200,000 needed to retrofit the rooms.
The superintendent said it would cost $500,000 more, or about $700,000, to build classrooms and offices for the preschool elsewhere. With the prospect of state building aid for kindergarten ending in 2012, the district needs a long-term solution.
"That put us in a quandary," Bass said.
Selectmen were ultimately swayed to move ahead with the proposal because it would save local taxpayers money.
Still, Selectman Doug Viger questioned spending $200,000 to renovate all the rooms and bring them to fire code.
"I'm having a hard time wrapping my arms around that figure," he said.
Bass said he didn't think the architectural firm, Marinace, would estimate $200,000 if it wasn't at least close to that amount.
Viger remained skeptical.
Bass said it has yet to be determined how the district would pay for the renovation. He said several options would be considered.
The district seeks a 10-year lease from the town and wants to have the rooms ready for the next school year.
Selectmen Chairman Bob Haverty asked that a subcommittee, with selectmen included, be formed to review the project.
The superintendent agreed.
Tina McCoy, the district's special services director, said she was pleased with the selectmen's decision.
The location is good because all the rooms are on a single floor, she said.
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