Construction on Warwick Public Schools began just a little less than two weeks ago, but already renovations are well underway. The Beacon toured both Pilgrim High School and what will become the Vets …
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Construction on Warwick Public Schools began just a little less than two weeks ago, but already renovations are well underway. The Beacon toured both Pilgrim High School and what will become the Vets Super Junior High last week with Steve Gothberg, the new director of building and grounds for the district. Despite the heat, workers were pulling out seats in the auditoriums, demolishing stages and beginning other projects to ensure the schools are ready come the fall.
Both Pilgrim and Vets are having their auditoriums completely “revamped” with new seats, epoxy flooring, curtains, stage, lights and audio equipment. Each auditorium will cost approximately $650,000, which is included in the $2.4 million contract with Ahlborg Construction Corporation for the work throughout Warwick Public Schools.
Alongside the refurbished auditoriums, Vets and Pilgrim will also receive all new storefronts in the entrances, improvements to bathrooms and fresh paint on the walls, all a part of the Ahlborg contract.
Vets’ gym floor was viable but was re-sanded and will be refreshed. Toll Gate’s gym will receive a similar treatment where Pilgrim and Winman Junior High will receive new floors.
Pilgrim’s cafeteria will also see improvements with a complete new curtain wall as well as a new acoustic energy-efficient ceiling. Pilgrim’s annex will also be renovated to create additional classrooms.
The lobby in front of Vets’ gym will be refurbished and the sidewalks and curbing will all be redone through a $220,000 contract with Lucena. Several classrooms will be refurbished as modern science labs, work that will be done “in house” and cost around $200,000.
The Buildings department will also be making small classroom improvements, including fresh layers of paint and knocking down walls that were used to make one classroom two in the past. Lockers from Aldrich and Gorton, both of which are now closed, will be removed.
The tracks at both Pilgrim and Toll Gate will be resurfaced with under a $400,000 contract with Dynamic Sports.
Thanks to a strengthened relationship between the district and the city, Pilgrim will also get a new football field.
“Since I came into this position we have had a very good working relationship with the city,” Gothberg said. “They have really stepped up to see improvements.”
Superintendent Philip Thornton agreed and added that the school system is “very appreciative” of the help from the city’s Department of Public Works.
Mayor Scott Avedisian said, “Not since the Shapiro administration has the partnership between the city and schools been so strong.”
Although he admitted there was some “lingering negativity” after the city redid the Vets field and it was “improperly maintained,” with Gothberg and Thornton in their new positions both groups decided to “start fresh” with a clean state, meeting a number of times to discuss ways to “partner together on meaningful projects.”
Pilgrim was in “desperate” need of repairs to their track and football field, especially with new students coming to the school in the fall. Avedisian said by leveling and replacing the football field that not “only will it look and perform better, but it will create a real foundation for the future there.”
Altogether, renovations across Warwick Public Schools this summer will cost about $3.25 million, the funding for the projects coming in part from the $5 million bond approved by the City Council as well as on-hand funds made available due to consolidation.
“We are just trying to do the best we can with the funds available,” said Gothberg. “A lot of what we are addressing was just old, failing and falling apart.”
Thornton assured that this focus on upgrading school infrastructure is not just a one-summer project, but that improving and maintaining school buildings is a priority.
“Any time you do work for school enhancements there are so many things on the list you want to see done, but you have to methodically look at the list and prioritize projects; what has to be done and what can be done. We plan to have more renovations in the future as well,” Thornton said.
Any project on its own would be a huge improvement to these schools, Avedisian said, especially Pilgrim, which hasn’t seen many changes since he went to high school there. He believes that to have numerous projects being tackled at once shows “great dedication” from the district on improving and maintaining facilities for student benefit.
“These renovations are top notch. It is exciting to see all these improvements underway. Everyone who said the schools needed a facelift, but felt ignored can’t say that anymore,” Avedisian said.
All of the projects are slotted for completion before school begins in the fall, and Gothberg said everything is on schedule, but construction timelines are “fluid.” To ensure the projects continue on schedule, Gothberg and Thornton meet every several days with workers to get updates on each individual project. They discuss progress and how to continue moving forward in a timely fashion.
Thornton said, “There is impressive work being done at our schools. Students and faculty really respond to the environments in which they live and work, and I believe both parties will be pleased with the renovations taking place. I think they will respond very well walking in on the first day to see their new and improved surroundings.”
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Imhere
Phil Thorton talks a good game but he is a snake in the grass. He is Warwick School dept top ace for cover ups. Don't believe a word this joker says because he makes you feel like he cares and in the blink of an eye he brings in his gang " the cover up crew". Then he pulls his blanket out to cover up issues that plague his schools. He is teaching his rank and file well, Lynn Dambruch director of elementary education she is learning fast and well and he has even infiltrated the principal at Norwood Elementary the cowardly John Gannon.
Thursday, July 7, 2016 Report this
JohnStark
The athletic facilities at the three (now two) city high schools have been in deplorable condition for a number of years, and it sent a message to kids that "We don't care." These facilities are now being repaired and dramatically upgraded. Had we had a 'snake in the grass' a few years ago, perhaps football games at Pilgrim would not have to be suspended at halftime due to unplayable conditions, and track meets could have been held at city schools.
Thursday, July 7, 2016 Report this
Marccomtois
Why do the Beacon writers continually refer to Vets as a "Super" Junior High School? Just because it's bigger now? Is there some set population number that makes a Jr. High "Super"? This article even goes so far as to imply the official name will be "Vets Super Junior High". It's just a Junior High!
Friday, July 8, 2016 Report this
Francol
I do not understand why Warwick is wasting money and time restoring such outdated dilapidated buildings. I can appreciate nostalgia and the connection that the old buildings have for the city but lets be real. Chromebooks, smartboard, security systems, football fields, basketball courts, are 10 years too late. Building schools of the future requires a little more innovation. There should have been an economic feasibility study to gage the impact for Warwick residents, businesses, house values and lastly....students success if a state of the art school was built. Lets be honest the schools are structural dumps and the facilities are an embarrassment. Massachusetts began a school rebuilding project 10+ years ago and the results are astonishing! who wants to buy a home in a city where the average class size is 35-38 students. Or the possibility that your child will be bused 30-40mins from home. More importantly, take a look at the inefficient roads and traffic patterns around our schools ... please review the following link http://www.massschoolbuildings.org/image-category/tid/51
for evidence that quality schools can be accomplished. My god this city generates millions of dollars and this the best we can do? Beacon please do a story .....
Saturday, July 9, 2016 Report this
JohnStark
With respect to Francol, there is virtually no relationship between spending on public schools and academic achievement when controlling for parental education level. Smart people tend to have smart children, and the opposite is also true. Ten years ago Lawrence, MA built the most expensive high school in the history of the state ($110M), largely with state funds. Subsequently, the school has been put in receivership under state control, the dropout rate remains at about 33%, and SAT scores remain deplorable, but facilities are pristine. Down the street at Central Catholic High School, 98% of graduates go on to college, dropout is unheard of, and state athletic championships are won, all with vastly inferior facilities and a per-pupil expenditure about 25% less than Lawrence High. The answer in Warwick is parental involvement and support, a school culture that demands and expects excellence, and a celebration of merit. The answer is not more money.
Sunday, July 10, 2016 Report this
Francol
John I think you and me agree. My question is who shall decide what is best for Warwick? Your school example lacks merit. Urban public v. Test urban public should bring greater results. How many students or families in Lawrence are immigrant? What percentage pay property tax or own a home? How does that come statistically? Are you suggesting Warwick is on par with providence ? If true I am saddened ... I am looking for leadership and fiscal management. If parental involvement is the problem or equal to providence or Lawrence - Warwick will be a ghost town in 5 years.
Tuesday, July 12, 2016 Report this