As residents voice concerns over the cost of the proposed high school renovation, officials emphasize the importance of updating the facility to modern standards.

By Olivia Costanzo

About 60 residents from Somerville’s Ward 5 attended a public meeting at the Visiting Nurses Association on October 5 to get informed and ask questions about the plan for a new Somerville High School.

A question and answer session at the end of the meeting revealed a divide between residents’ opinions. Some were concerned about taxpayer cost, while others believe that the community benefit of the new facility exceeds concerns about the price tag.

“We are on the edge of losing our accreditation due to a tired facility,” said Brandon Wilson, a city planner and mother of two Somerville High School Alumni. “They can’t detail every issue with the building without turning people away from sending their kids there.” Wilson supports the plan for the new high school.

On November 8, Somerville residents will have to answer to Question 5 on the ballot, which is a vote on a debt exclusion override. If it passes, it will allow the city to bond the money to supplement costs for the high school’s reconstruction. The Massachusetts School Association will mitigate $120 million, about $312 per square foot of construction. The remaining $120 million will be spread out as a home and business owner tax increase starting in 2018, until the projected completion in 2023.

“We are doing 21st century education at Somerville High School and our building is preventing us from continuing that,” said the school’s Headmaster John Oteri in the presentation. “Every time I walk into the entrance I see ‘1895.’” Oteri is referring to the entrance of the school’s original building, which is still in use today.

According to Superintendent Mary Skipper, the layout of the building prevents execution of a “21st century” education plan, aside from a leaky roof and temperature control issues that threaten the school’s accreditation.

The new school will allow vocational and academic courses to be held in classrooms near each other, allowing students and teachers to collaborate across fields. “It creates a synergy that is applicable in the real world,” notes Oteri.

Some residents voiced their concerns about the resulting tax increase that would be imposed if the plan was approved by the ballot.

“There’s a lot of development in this city and I can’t afford it,” said John Sullivan, 56, a landlord of two retired residents. “I can’t keep raising the rent on my elderly tenants.” Sullivan believes that Somerville’s development is expensive, and rising taxes continue to drive people out of the city.

“I’m worried about the senior citizens,” said Brian Brady, a retired resident. “My fixed income determines whether I can stay in Somerville or not.”

“Why should taxpayers pay?” former Superintendent and school building committee member Tony Pierantozzi asked. “Because the new school will be a community resource on many levels.”

The new school would include accessible community spaces to hold meetings and events in the building after hours. Brandon Wilson mentioned that many city committee meetings, are  held in a nursing homes.