Wilmington High School Building Committee Receives Update On Both Buildings

WILMINGTON, MA – The Wilmington High School Building Committee held a short meeting at Town Hall last night, receiving a construction update on the new building, as well as a demolition update on the old one.

Project Manager Mike Marcella of Gilbane showed a slideshow presentation, highlighting the work currently being done at the old school.  Marcella noted that the building has been divided into four sections.  Abatement of the first two sections will be finished by this Friday, March 20; abatement of the final two sections will then begin and be completed by Friday, April 10.  Marcella also discussed the necessity for current and future fencing around the old building.

The finishing touches continue to be placed on the new high school building.  A handful of furniture items and the cafeteria waste receptacles have yet to arrive.  Glass display cases are arriving this week.  A small amount of classrooms are still without projectors, but that will be remedied shortly.  Batting cages and the gym scoreboard were recently installed.  A “whole host of items” will be addressed during the week of April vacation, including putting up inspirational and educational quotes on the walls around the building.

“The district’s IT department deserves kudos for an excellent job,” Marcella said, noting they worked “around the clock” to install most of the school’s technology themselves.  Superintendent DeLai noted all the new computers have arrived, most are already installed, and the building is in “pretty good shape in regards to technology.”

School Committee Chairwoman Peggy Kane advocated for holding a second Community Open House for residents who cannot attend this Thursday, March 19, 3pm-8pm, noting it’s a “very busy day in town.”

Superintendent of Schools Mary DeLai agreed to reach out to High School Administration to see about possibly scheduling a second Community Open House on a Saturday in April.

DeLai announced a couple of upcoming milestones for the school, including the first school dance in the new WHS gym on Friday, March 27.  DeLai noted that Athletic Director Ed Harrison is requiring students to take off their shoes, drawing a laugh from the committee.  DeLai also mentioned the planning has begun to hold the 2015 High School Graduation in the new gym.

The Wilmington High School Building Committee will next meet on Thursday, April 16 at 6:30pm, likely at Room 9 in Town Hall.