Rochester council approves $34 million new elementary school as critics speak out
ROCHESTER — The City Council approved the use of up to $34 million to construct a new elementary school on Salmon Falls Road — including about $15.5 million in city funding.
The 10-2 vote came Tuesday night after an active public hearing. Councilors Steve Beaudoin and Harlan "Skip" Gilman voted against it.
Those who opposed the resolution were mostly focused on the city's use of $7.5 million from the city's $38 million unassigned fund balance. Using that money, plus about $17.1 million in state funds and about $1.3 million in capital reserve funds, the amount the city school district will bond is $8 million.
City resident Carol Petrusewicz read a statement asking for the majority of the $38 million fund balance to be returned to taxpayers as a refund in 2024.
"I also do not believe this is the best location for the school," Petrusewicz said.
State Rep. Tom Kaczynski Jr., R-Rochester, a frequent critic of city spending, said the council should "put the brakes on" and consider other locations.
"You want to contribute $7.5 million to fund a school in a swamp," he said. "Think about a better location."
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Leaders have previously said the goal is to open the new school in 2025.
What to expect from new school
The new 68,000-square-foot school is planned to house up to 420 students as the city consolidates its seven remaining elementary schools. The Nancy Loud School, built in 1880, was shuttered permanently this summer, two years earlier than planned, because it was deemed unsafe for occupancy. The new school is planned to enable the closure of the School Street School, as well as the elimination of modular classrooms at the William Allen and Chamberlain schools.
Rochester schools Superintendent Kyle Repucci reminded the council the city had the dubious distinction of being No. 1 on the award list for New Hampshire education building aid.
"Being first means we are the worst, in terms of need," Repucci said. "That earned us about $15 million in state (building) aid, so we needed to find ways to fund the rest."
Repucci noted the 753 Salmon Falls Road property, which has been criticized by some neighbors, had been carefully vetted and said other locations had been considered. He acknowledged there are wetlands on the nearly 41-acre property, but said the 11.4 acres where the school will be built is suitable and is uphill from the wetlands.
"We looked at other sites, and we are confident this one will satisfy our needs," Repucci said.
In response to a question about which students will attend the new school, Repucci said some redistricting will need to be completed, but he had no definite answers yet.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Rochester approves $34M new elementary school on Salmon Falls Road
