Finance Board to Hear School Renovation Proposal

The West Broad Street elementary school has been a centerpiece to the Pawcatuck community for over a century and if the K-12 Building Committee gets its way, the school that residents know and love will soon be bigger and better. 

According to a report in the Westerly Sun, the Finance Board will consider a request for up to $50,000 for the schools to hire an architect who will draw up plans to renovate and expand the West Broad Street School and its sister school, West Vine School. 

Committee members say they appreciate schools but that they are insufficient and should be improved.

Some of the problems with the West Broad School are that it lacks ramps and elevators, there is a shortage of electrical outlets, the gym is above classrooms and the library has to run a dehumidifier to prevent mold. 

The K-12 Building Committee will request money from the Finance Board Wednesday and justify their request with a presentation, which includes changes to West Broad-West Vine Street Schools and the Deans Mill School. The projects are contingent on approval from the Board of Finance and approval by the voters in a town referendum. If one or the other is rejected the projects could be delayed for years. 

The Board of Finance will hear the proposal during a public meeting at 7 p.m. at the Wequetequock Fire Department meeting room. 

Click here to read the full report in the Westerly Sun. 

You tell us: What changes would you like to see at those schools?