State to evaluate high school roof in August for potential replacement funding
Assistant Superintendent James Kiely announced the replacement of the high school’s 24-year-old roof is now under consideration for state funding. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Assistant Superintendent James Kiely announced the replacement of the high school’s 24-year-old roof is now under consideration for state funding. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
The state has agreed to take a look at Dartmouth High School’s need for a new roof and will visit the school in August to view the situation, Assistant Superintendent James Kiely told School Committee members at their July 21 meeting.
This is the next step in the process for potential funding from the Massachusetts School Building Authority to replace the 24-year-old roof. Earlier this year, committee members agreed to send a statement of interest to the authority requesting funding for the project.
An engineering report was sent to the state detailing the condition of the roof, Kiely said.
The current roof, which was primarily constructed out of black rubber, shrinks and contracts with heat, he previously has said. This can cause the material to crack and deteriorate and ultimately lead to water leaks.
The leaks are visible, he said, including from the media center where the School Committee meeting was held. “Just look up now,’’ he said, referring to visible water marks on the ceiling.
The new roof would ideally be constructed out of PVC, which is a durable and lightweight synthetic plastic, Kiely has said.
While PVC is more expensive than black rubber, roofs made with the material are expected to last more than 30 years, he has said.
The district is also seeking new windows for the school.
Dartmouth is one of 96 projects the Massachusetts School Building Authority has agreed to consider, Kiely told committee members.
Last year, 75 projects were submitted for funding consideration, Kiely noted, with about 20 approved.
There is not enough money to fund all 96 requests, he said.
The state looks at the scope of potential requests, Kiely said, and noted that the roof work is a “pretty lengthy, complicated project’’ that would have significant impact.
A decision is expected by the authority in late October, he said.
“Our hope is that we rank on the list and are selected,’’ he said.
If not, he said, the district will continue to apply.
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