At a presentation at the Vineyard Haven Library in winter 2016 to garner support for their article on the town warrant, representatives of the school building committee assured attendees that a renovation of the existing school was one of the options they would study if the funds were appropriated. The committee continued to say this option was “on the table” as of May 1, 2017, and beyond. It was clear that a large portion of the public very much wanted to see the MSBA help the town pay for the renovation of its Colonial revival school.
However, the school building committee did not present an affordable, appropriate option for renovation and expansion. It is highly likely that the school and building committees had settled on their preference for a brand new building before they came before the public asking for a large appropriation to study the situation and present options. The school committee and/or the building committee chose not to avail itself of the MSBA’s renovation program — far more flexible in terms of space and other requirements than its new construction program.
There is overall consensus that a new, bigger cafeteria and some new classroom space and renovation of the brick exterior are needed. I believe a prudent path would be to build on this consensus with a conservative, incremental approach that offers the best control of fiscal risk; of the timing of construction phases; and hence of disruption for students, the neighborhood, and the town.
The Tisbury School is a handsome and historic edifice that, like the Teaticket School in Falmouth, also a Colonial revival design by Haynes and Mason, by rights should be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building and its systems were assessed to be in good to fair condition as of 2013. Since then it has had a number of major upgrades and repairs. The town deserves to retain this proud, cherished symbol of civic commitment and accomplishment, renovated and upgraded as needed for continued use as a school.
Katherine Scott
Vineyard Haven
Comments
I don't think the committee
Grace TisburyI don't think the committee took the time to study a renovation once they were convinced by the architects to build a new school that won't last anywhere near as long as this one has. There's a big push at the last minute to write letters (mostly by teachers,)put up signs and convince the town leaders that we need to build new. Well,it didn't work. The only town board that supports this is the Finance Committee. Why didn't the TSBC do what they said they would do, and show us our options, so that we could make an informed decision at town meeting?
Finally, some common sense.
tisbury voter tisburyFinally, some common sense. We can easily renovate the school and add additional spaces as needed. Of course anything we do will cost money, and lots of it. Tisbury has always stepped up to the plate and supported the school, and will continue to do so into the future. But, we must be wise in how we spend our money. And anyone who cares one iota about the environmental impact we have as humans on this planet, and cares at all about how we leave this world for the future generations we hope will be taught in this school better think long and hard about the wastefulness of new construction and the "lesson" that teaches the kids. Renovate, restore, Reuse. Lets not blunder into building a new building heated by propane, and with no solar power generation, that in just 20 years will STILL be running on propane in the year 2041! Please VOTE NO on this outrageous proposal.
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