Officials shared plans for a new or renovated Barrington Middle School during a meeting on Wednesday night, Jan. 20.
It was reported that cost estimates for the project would also be shared during the meeting, but financials were not available at that time.
KBA - BMS Presentation Update 1-20-2016
School officials have said that estimates for both the construction cost and overall project cost will be shared at a meeting on Monday, Jan. 25, when the Barrington School Committee will vote on whether to send the proposals to the Rhode Island Department of Education for consideration.
Kaestle Boos Associates, the firm hired to design the new school, presented two conceptual plans for the project. The first calls for a new building, replacing the structure that was first built in 1952 and added onto in 1968.
The new building would be a two-story structure that would have more than 160,000 square feet of space. The classrooms would be situated in cluster formations, allowing for shared learning opportunities.
"The new school will be designed to support 'STEAM' education — science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics — and other areas of study, to prepare our students for 21st century career opportunities," stated a
page on the district's website.
"The building will feature adaptable classroom and collaboration spaces, state-of-the-art laboratories, the latest instructional technology, rehearsal and performance spaces, indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, as well as infrastructure investments to improve safety and energy efficiency."
Driveways and parking lots would be relocated on the Middle Highway property, as well as athletic fields and basketball and tennis courts.
The second plan calls for the renovation of the existing building along with an addition. This plan would also include the realignment of classrooms and other facilities.
"If the project receives approval from RIDE, following a vote by the General Assembly, state and local officials will schedule a referendum vote among Barrington residents," stated the district's website.
"If the voter referendum is successful, the district will begin the bidding process to select a contractor for the project. The district aims to begin construction in 2017, with a targeted completion date of August 2020."