Seven school refurbishment projects proposed for FY27

The Select Board reviewed a $600,000 capital planning request from the School Department for seven school maintenance projects, which are planned for the next two years, if funding is approved. The proposal will go before voters at the annual Town Meeting.

If the proposed article is passed at town meeting, projects including improving climate control and wheelchair accessibility will spruce up Cedar Elementary School, Center Elementary School, Hanover Middle School and Hanover High School.

The seven “essential maintenance” projects are “immediate priorities” that will improve the buildings’ reliability and protect the health and safety of occupants, according to the January 20 presentation.

Projects are expected to be funded using meals tax revenue, but may dip into an unspecified "small amount" of free cash.

The School Committee has reviewed and approved the proposal.

Repairs to the HVAC system and roof at Hanover Middle School carry the heftiest price tag of $225,000. Hanover Public Schools District Director of Finance and Operations Michael Oates said that repairing the most damaged sections of the roof in fiscal year 2027 would prevent costly water damage to the interior of the building.

In addition to Hanover Middle School’s roof and HVAC repairs, this proposal includes $90,000 for carpet replacement and $50,000 to refinish the gym floor.

Cedar Elementary School, with its carpet replacement and wheelchair lift replacement, would cost $140,000. Oates said that replacing the current wheelchair lift is necessary for ADA compliance and that accessibility is a “non-negotiable priority.”

The Finance Department presentation called out the Hanover Middle School and Cedar Elementary School projects as particularly urgent.

The final two projects are renovations of the Center Elementary School and Hanover High School gym floors, costing $35,000 and $50,000, respectively.

In the most recent FY2027 budget proposal, these seven school renovations are the biggest cost in the $995,000 general fund.

“By bundling these projects into a single refurbishment package, we gain better leverage with contractors and ensure that we are addressing the most pressing needs across all five of our campuses simultaneously,” Oates said.