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HW Elementary School Project

Hamilton & Wenham Town Meeting Resources

 

Hamilton & Wenham Town Meetings

June 9th at 6:30 PM

Video Link to Elementary School Project Community Forum 5/21/25

5/22/25 Information Session | Q&A Video 

HW Elementary School Project Community Info Session Presentation

5/22/25 Presentation Slides

Questions | Concerns | Misconceptions

How did we get here? did the process consider renovations
If we vote no on the new consolidated school, can we change the scope of work and use MSBA funding to renovate?
Don't our three elementary schools serve the needs of all our students just fine as they are?
Why was the Winthrop School not considered? Was it because Hamilton wants to develop the property for 3A?
If the Welch School in Peabody was renovated with MSBA funding, why can't we?
are there major drainage and wetland issues that will be impacted by building a new school on the cutler property? Have the mitigation costs for septic and drainage been considered?
which is cheaper: renovation two schools or building a new consolidated school? Is there a viable plan that will cost tax payers less?
Can we change the Ed Plan to make renovation of our existing schools possible with the MSBA funding next year?
Isnt there enough space to move some elemetnary grades to the middle school and shift 8th grade to the high school?

We have an important opportunity for the voters of Hamilton and Wenham to make a decision about a historic proposed project for the HW Regional School District at Hamilton & Wenham Town Meetings. For several years, the district has been assessing the needs of our elementary schools, considering factors such as aging facilities, enrollment trends, and current educational best practices. You can read details of our facilities assessment HERE

After thorough research and a collaborative visioning process involving over 40 community members, teachers, staff, and students, it became evident that a consolidated elementary school offers the most sustainable and cost-effective solution. This approach ensures all students have access to modern, high-quality learning environments while optimizing resources efficiently.

I want to ensure all families have the historical context and complete scope and details of the project. Below is background information to address some of the questions we have received recently. 

  • The HWRSD has a rare opportunity to fund a new elementary school with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The MSBA is a state agency that helps local school districts pay for the design and construction of schools. The MSBA has agreed to reimburse the HWRSD 51.28% of reimbursable costs for this project.
  • This project involves the construction of a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide a modern and dynamic learning environment for young students. It will allow ALL elementary students in grades 1-5 the opportunity to attend a facility that can more equitably support their growth and development. 
  • If this passe, construction should begin next summer with an estimated opening date of Fall of 2028.
  • This project has earned the support of a majority of our teachers. In a recent survey, over 80% of the Hamilton-Wenham Regional Education Association (HWREA) members strongly support the project. You can read more comments from our teachers' union HERE
How did we get here?
visioning and the education plan
guiding principles & goals
tax impact

Project Informational Video

Tax impact calculator

More Information

"We sit on the precipice of some wonderful upgrades and improvements for our school system that ultimately upgrade and update our communities. The success of these projects will need all of us to come together to decide if we are, or are not ready and willing to fund these projects on behalf of our children."
- Eric Tracy, Superintendent
A Day in the Life Video

"Day-in-the-Life"

Implications of town vote video

Implications of Town Votes

Rendering of Asbury Street View of new school
aerial view
rendering of gym and cafeteria in proposed school
rendering of a learning neighborhood in the proposed school
proposed classroom in elementary school

Site Plan

Site Plan presented 11/20/24

1st Floor

Elementary School Floor one plan

2nd Floor

elementary school second floor plan

3rd Floor

third floor plan elementary school