My correspondence is intended to convey my deep appreciation for your overwhelming support to build a new middle school on Stroudwater Street. This facility will provide a more appropriate learning environment for the students in grades six through eight well into the next 50 years. I am also most appreciative of your support for a 1,000-seat auditorium, which will allow our fine music and drama programs to highlight the great skills of our students. This auditorium is intended to be used by all of the K-12 students as well as the community. My vision for this facility will include many community events and performances, which will enhance the arts and culture in our fine city.

Now that the referendum is over, the real challenging yet rewarding work begins – the design of the building. Rene Daniel, John O’Hara, I and several others have been discussing the make up of all the subcommittees that are necessary to complete the final design. We have numerous school personnel to select to serve on these subcommittees. We would like many more community members to be on these subcommittees since we want this to truly be a community facility.

Please contact Rene (632-7283), John (854-9309) or me (854-0800) if you would like to serve on a subcommittee so we may get you appointed by the School Committee. There will be approximately 15 subcommittees ranging from fields, exterior facade, auditorium design, heating and ventilation, landscaping including a “green” roof, interior finishes, trim and colors, gym/court, physical education room, percent of the cost spent on art, technology, Oxford/Cumberland Canal, kitchen, cafeteria, public relations, signage and library/media.

Thank you again for the overwhelming support for the new middle school/auditorium.

Stan Sawyer,

Superintendent of Schools