schools

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Ribbon cutting held at Fales Elementary

Fales | from page 1

“This is a very unique school in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” he said.

Both Town Manager Kristi Williams and Select Board Chairman Ian Johnson acknowledged the challenges faced during the building project. Among those challenges were having the new school built while classes were being conducted in the old building – during the COVID-19 pandemic, no less.

“It was not without its challenges,” said Williams. “It’s truly a tremendous achievement.”

“This was a difficult project,” said Johnson, adding that the new building will be “celebrated for years to come.”

Stannard thanked her staff.

“They stepped up through the entire process,” she said.

State Rep. Hannah Kane (RShrewsbury) and state Rep. Kate Donaghue (D-Westborough) presented a citation from the State House to the school, and

PHOTOS/MAUREEN SULLIVAN Although it’s been open since November 2021, the “new” Fales Elementary School held a ribbon-cutting and open house on Jan. 8.

expressed their appreciation to Doret for all the work he has done over the years.

“I was asking Steve ‘What number school building is it for you?’ And he said, ‘My last’,” said Kane.

The new school includes a fullsize gym, a maker space, rooms that allow plenty of natural light, and geothermal wells that, once fully online, will provide heat.

Several attendees had various connections to the school.

Susan (Vergie) McAlice, a friend of state Donaghue, knew Annie Fales, a teacher and principal for Westborough schools for nearly 50 years and the namesake of the elementary school.

“She was my choir director,” said McAlice, who graduated from Westborough High School in 1966. “She played organ at the Unitarian church, and we had choir practice at home.”

Second grade teacher Patty Gallo attended the school as a student before returning as a teacher 22 years ago.

“It’s bright, cheerful, colorful,” said Gallo.

For the latest on Fales, visit fes. westboroughk12.org.

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY…

It’s Only Too Late!

• Estate Planning • Elder Law • Trusts • Power of Attorney • Health Proxy

Mention this ad for a free consultation

LAW OFFICE OF Carolyn R. Spring

508-898-1835

1900 West Park Drive Suite 280 Westborough carolyn@cspringlaw.com www.cspringlaw.com Adoptable Pet of the Week

Meet Hero

Hero is a playful, 4 month old puppy who loves to play with other dogs, do food puzzles and romp around with toys.

Available at: Baypath Humane Society Contact: adopt@baypathhumane.org

Sponsored by

508.523.1314

Helping Buyers and Sellers

Stephanie Bayliss Realtor ®

Westborough schools mull study of buildings and grounds

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH - As Westborough Public Schools (WPS) continues to plan for fiscal 2024, school officials are looking farther into the future.

During the School Committee meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 4, members discussed the possibility of a study for the schools’ buildings and grounds — something that has not been done in 15 years.

The proposed study would assess every WPS facility except Fales Elementary School, which recently opened. The study would help the schools update the long-range capital plan.

Inquiries were sent to six vendors, with three coming back with bids. The committee favored the bid submitted by Russo Barr Associates Inc. It was not only the lowest bid at $155,540, but it seemed to fulfill much of what the schools would like to see in the study.

“Theirs was the most responsive bid,” said Superintendent Amber Bock. “They look at everything.”

According to David Gordon, director of finance and administration, the schools have yet to identify a funding source to pay for the study. Bock proposed having the study done over two budget cycles.

Pending a reference check, the committee will make a final decision at its next meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Need A Message Of Hope?

24 Hours Everyday Call Dial-A-Friend (508) 852-5242

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Algonquin athletic complex goes before Planning Board

Athletic complex | from page 1 courts would be replaced and the grandstands would be upgraded to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Status of athletic facilities

Efforts regarding Algonquin’s athletic fields date back to at least 2013 when the consulting engineering firm Gale Associates conducted an assessment of the high school’s facilities.

According to Hervol, the track was installed in 1994. While the top surface was recoated in 2004, she said the track has had “heavy patching and puddling.”

“We’re aware that the high school has had issues hosting events there due to the condition of the facility,” Hervol said. “Basically, it’s beyond its life expectancy.”

The tennis courts, which were installed in 2004, have “significant” cracking, she said. The football field is in “fair” condition, but Hervol said Algonquin’s practice field is in “pretty poor” condition.

“It comes down to the overuse with the various sports events,” she said.

The surface of the field is compacted and uneven, and there are drainage issues.

According to Hervol’s presentation, the lighting is insufficient and doesn’t meet new safety standards, and the grandstand does not have handicapped seating or a ramp.

As part of the renovations, ramps, handicapped seating and an elevator to the press box will be installed.

Next steps

According to the Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough’s website regarding the project, the athletic complex is estimated to cost $7.5 million, which includes a 25% contingency.

About $4.7 million would be appropriated to Northborough under the regional agreement. The district is projecting that the estimated cost per average household — which depends upon the accepted bond option — may be $67 a year for Northborough households.

For Southborough, the appropriation is estimated to be $2.8 million with the average cost per average household estimated to be $85 a year.

As these plans are now before the Planning Board, Hervol said the high school is in the process of wrapping up comments from the Conservation Commission. She hoped to resubmit the plans to the commission by the end of that week.

According the website, the district intended to submit applications to each town’s Community Preservation Committees for grant funds.

Moving forward, the district is planning to hold community outreach and commence the procurement process this winter. The projects may be presented to Northborough and Southborough Town Meetings this spring for approval.

Construction is assumed to take 16 weeks with it kicking off in June. Substantial completion of the construction is projected to be reached by Sept. 29 with the project closing out Oct. 6.

In the meantime, the project will return before the Planning Board on Feb. 7.

Palitsch will not seek re-election to Shrewsbury School Committee

By Evan Walsh Contributing Writer SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury School Committee Vice Chair Jason Palitsch has announced that he will not seek re-election once his term expires in May.

Palitsch, who is currently serving his third term as a school committee member, announced his decision at the start of the Jan. 4 School Committee meeting, noting how he “wants to highlight an opportunity for someone new to step into [the] role.”

Palitsch, who is a Shrewsbury graduate, is currently the executive director of the 495/ MetroWest Corridor Partnership.

Palitsch mentioned the construction of the new Maj. Howard W. Beal Elementary School and the creation of tuition-free, full-day kindergarten as among his proudest accomplishments while serving on the committee.

“I feel that this is the right moment for someone with a fresh perspective to step onto the committee,” Palitsch said. “[But] I’ll continue to be a proud and vocal advocate for our schools.”

Shortly after Palitsch’s announcement, School Committee member Sandra Fryc announced that she intends to run for re-election.

Shrewsbury’s election will take place May 2.

WE HAVE MOVED!

A new, state-of-the-art facility to better serve your dental needs

Eat, kiss, and smile with more confidence.

SONGBIRD DENTAL IS NOW OFFICIALLY LOCATED AT 235 MAIN STREET

HAPPILY ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

The Krav Maga Fitness Challenge works because it’s based on 3 Pillars of Success:

1

2

3 Consistent workouts

Most people quit working out because they get bored. Krav Maga is never boring. Our 365 Lesson plans system ensures no two classes are ever the same.

Diet

We provide a dietary guideline to help you crush those goals.

Accountability

This is the key! Your instructor will personally stay connected with you. We’ll set goals for body fat and weight loss and we’ll track your progress to ensure success!

Ask us how you can get it for free

Call or go online to schedule your appointment 508-691-6991 www.abdma.com 73 W. Main Street, Northborough