The consolidated option was selected after a through examination of all other options, including a simple replacement of just the South School building. A consolidated plan has both educational and financial benefits.
Dedicated classrooms in the new school and space freed up at other buildings would allow the district to better serve the needs of our growing ELL population, as well as special education population, reducing the number of students sent out of district (which also has financial benefits), while maintaining an appropriate number of general education classrooms for our expanding overall enrollment.
In combination with ongoing improvements to existing school buildings, the new building and subsequent redistricting would mean more equitable and accessible facilities that better fit Stoughton’s vision for elementary education for all of Stoughton’s elementary students. Elementary students across the district will be in accessible buildings with appropriately-sized elementary classrooms, common spaces like cafetoriums and gyms, and dedicated STEM spaces. All of our schools will also have the ability to have school-wide assemblies.
Additionally, it is more efficient to build one larger building than two smaller ones, and there would be savings from maintaining one kitchen/gym/cafeteria/art classroom/music classroom/library, etc. vs. two. And, as detailed above, this plan allows for the district to turn the South and Jones buildings back over to the town meaning there are two fewer buildings to maintain and operate, which will also result in savings.
