Thursday, September 10, 2015

Wildwood School Building Project - Why It Matters to Fort River Families

The Wildwood School Building Project could affect ALL elementary school children in Amherst, including current and future students attending Fort River.


In March 2013 ARPS submitted a "Statement of Interest" to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) on behalf of both Wildwood and Fort River to address systemic physical plant concerns, mechanical upgrades, and renovation needs. MSBA invited Wildwood into the eligibility period in November 2013. A "Statement of Interest" on behalf of Fort River was resubmitted. Amherst Town Meeting approved funding for the Wildwood Feasibility Study in May 2014, and MSBA invited the Town of Amherst to launch the Feasibility Study in September 2014.

The Wildwood School Building Project is examining three options to address needs in the building. One option involves a grade reconfiguration resulting in two town-wide elementary schools, one for pre-K through 1st grade at the Crocker Farm School, and one for grades 2-6 at a new larger school (site not yet determined). Under this option, the current Fort River and Wildwood schools would no longer be used as elementary schools by the district and could be repurposed or demolished. The project timeline indicates that any new/reconstructed school is proposed to open in September 2019, just four years from now. All current Amherst students grades 2 and below would be affected. 

Public forums on the Wildwood School Building Project study are scheduled for Tuesday, September 29 at 3:30 pm & 7 pm in the Middle School auditorium. The same information will be presented at both forums. 
The district has also created a Facebook page here where the latest information will be shared with families and the community.


Assistant Superintendent Mike Morris attended a PGO Coffee in June to present details about this project and take questions. He will return on Thursday, October 15 to provide an update to Fort River families. The PGO Coffee will begin at 9 am and all are welcome to attend.