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Wachusett Regional School District

Facilities Assessment

May 19, 2026

Presented by Gienapp Architects

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Agenda

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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01

Methodology

02

Summary Findings by Building

03

Urgent Conditions

04

Building Capacities

05

Recommended Disposition

06

Projected Project Values

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Methodology

01

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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  • Site visits in April and May 2025
    • Mostly during break or early release day
  • Site visits consisted of:
    • Building walkthrough
    • Discussion with building caretakers
    • (Sometimes) discussion with principals
  • Met with WRSD to review and confirm:
    • Known building issues
    • Enrollment numbers

Methodology

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Goal: High-level Overview of the Overall Condition of the Facilities

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Methodology

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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01

Findings Per Building

What conditions were concerning?

02

Urgent Conditions Across District

What must be addressed now?

03

Brief Review of Capacity

Are the buildings at capacity?

04

Recommended Disposition

From a strategic standpoint based on the brick and mortar condition, what should the District plan to do?

05

Projected Project Values

What will this cost the District and Towns?

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Summary Findings by Building

02

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How did we “rank” the buildings?

  1. Potential impact on building user safety
  2. Severity of deterioration
  3. Number of issues
  4. Urgency of needs

Summary Findings (By Building)

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Summary Findings (By Building)

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Rank

School

Location

07

Houghton ES & Chocksett MS

Sterling

08

Dawson Elementary School

Holden

09

Mayo Elementary School

Holden

10

Davis Hill Elementary School

Holden

11

Wachusett Regional High School

Holden

12

Mountview Middle School

Holden

Rank

School

Location

01

Glenwood Elementary School

Rutland

02

Jefferson ECS & Central Office

Holden

03

Paxton Center School

Paxton

04

Naquag Elementary School

Rutland

05

Thomas Prince K-8 School

Princeton

06

Central Tree Middle School

Rutland

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Glenwood Elementary School, Rutland

2005

88,200

Overall: Masonry deterioration poses safety concern

Ranking

Year Built / Reno

Area (SF)

#1

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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#

Key Issues

Description

01

Envelope

Critical exterior masonry façade deterioration, posing significant safety risk

02

Site Conditions

Deteriorated asphalt, sidewalks, and curbing creating trip hazards

03

Interior

Skylight-related ceiling damage, cracked flooring, and aging hot water tanks

04

Accessibility

Non-compliant stage access, drinking fountain heights, and restroom clearances

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Jefferson Early Childhood

School & Central Office, Holden

1940 / 1970

44,500

Overall: Accessibility deficiencies, outdated infrastructure, and site circulation/safety issues

Ranking

Year Built / Reno

Area (SF)

#2

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Key Issues

Description

01

Accessibility

Non-compliant ramps, inoperable chair lift, limited access routes, inadequate toilet room and parking accommodations

02

Playgrounds

Limited, non-permanent, and non-accessible equipment

03

Site Conditions

Poor traffic circulation causing accidents, deteriorated paving, potholes, and cracked surfaces

04

Envelope & Energy

Poor insulation, single-pane windows, and thermal inefficiency leading to user discomfort and higher HVAC loads

05

Water Infiltration

Basement water infiltration observed during the walkthrough of the facility

06

Security

Lack of a centralized system for modern safety needs

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Paxton Center School, Paxton

1968 / 1990

83,000

Overall: Lack of fire protection and accessibility and site issues

Ranking

Year Built / Reno

Area (SF)

#3

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Key Issues

Description

01

Accessibility

Non-compliant ramps, limited lift coverage, steep exterior sidewalks, and outdated toilet rooms that require circuitous routes for handicapped users

02

Site Conditions

Poor paving with cracks, settlement, and trip hazards near manholes

03

Envelope

Stained masonry, damaged gutters/downspouts, missing sealants, foundation and soffit deterioration, and water-related damage requiring preventive action to avoid further deterioration

04

Ventilation

Lack of mechanical ventilation in older portions of the building

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Naquag Elementary School, Rutland

1964 / 1999

63,000

Overall: Site deterioration and aging roofing require attention

Ranking

Year Built / Reno

Area (SF)

#4

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Key Issues

Description

01

Site Conditions

Severely deteriorated sidewalks, curbing, and asphalt paving (particularly at the service road to the loading dock); spalled and crumbling concrete with exposed rebar; unsafe loading dock with water pooling, rust, and failing railings—all creating significant trip and safety hazards

02

Roofing

Approximately 50% of the existing membrane roof (EPDM) has been replaced with PVC membrane. However, the remaining half of the roof that is still EPDM, is near end of life and requires replacement; existing solar panels will need removal and reinstallation during work

03

MEP Systems and Interior Finishes

Being one of the older schools of this study, this building faces challenges with aging systems

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Thomas Prince K-8 School, Princeton

1968

75,100

Overall: Roofing design flaws, masonry degradation, and outdated HVAC systems

Ranking

Year Built / Reno

Area (SF)

#5

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Key Issues

Description

01

Roof and Envelope

Improper roof design with no overhangs leads to water draining directly onto masonry exterior walls, resulting in staining, efflorescence, moss growth, joint deterioration, and slab erosion at entrances

02

Mechanical Systems

Half of the classroom unit ventilators are over 30 years old with non-functioning thermostats, requiring manual adjustment by custodial staff. Lack of modern controls and reliance on portable dehumidifiers observed during the walkthrough point to inadequate HVAC performance

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Central Tree Middle School, Rutland

1998

68,100

Overall: Roof replacement, site safety repairs, and stormwater management are urgent

Ranking

Year Built / Reno

Area (SF)

#6

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Key Issues

Description

01

Roofing

The original asphalt shingle and EPDM roofs (27 years old) have exceeded their service life. The recent installation of rooftop solar panels have accelerated deterioration, leading to widespread leaks and interior damage to ceilings and gypsum (sheetrock) walls. Existing roof-mounted solar panels will need removal and reinstallation as part of future roof replacement work.

02

Site Conditions

Sidewalks, curbing, and asphalt paving are in poor condition, with spalling concrete and exposed rebar creating tripping hazards and ongoing structural deterioration

03

Stormwater

Poor paving slopes at entrances direct water toward doors, causing frame deterioration and reported water infiltration during severe weather events

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Houghton Elementary School &

Chocksett Middle School, Sterling

1956 / 1992

149,200

Overall: Needs roof replacement, site safety, and roof drainage

Ranking

Year Built / Reno

Area (SF)

#7

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Key Issues

Description

01

Site Conditions

Extensive cracking and deterioration of asphalt paving, sidewalks, and concrete curbing. Spalled and heaved curbing with exposed rusted rebar pose trip hazards, particularly in the bus drop-off area

02

Roof and Envelope

Roof leaks from the aged EPDM roof system (installed ~1992) have damaged interior finishes. Exterior cement plaster soffits are deteriorating, and damaged/dislodged gutters and downspouts are causing runoff, efflorescence, and masonry degradation to the exterior envelope

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Dawson Elementary School, Holden

1960 / 2000

74,200

Overall: Needs roof replacement, expanded restroom capacity, resolution of space constraints

Ranking

Year Built / Reno

Area (SF)

#8

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Key Issues

Description

01

Roofing

EPDM and standing-seam metal roofs, both 25 years old, are at the end of service life and require replacement

02

Toilet Facilities

Insufficient quantity of student and staff restrooms, with kindergarten classrooms lacking dedicated toilets. Some former single-user facilities were converted to storage rooms further contributing to the lack of facilities

03

Modular Classrooms

Two modular units lack toilet facilities and secure, unenclosed connections to the main building; staff must escort students indoors for restroom use. Former offices and support spaces within the building have been repurposed into classrooms, indicating programmatic strain

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Mayo Elementary School, Holden

1998

89,500

Overall: Needs roof replacement, flooring & wall crack remediation, elevator shaft water infiltration repairs, & BMS

Ranking

Year Built / Reno

Area (SF)

#9

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Key Issues

Description

01

Roofing

Asphalt shingle and EPDM roof systems are original, past expected lifespan, and leaking—causing interior damage

02

Floors & Walls

Lack of control joints has led to widespread cracking in VCT floors and adjacent wall finishes

03

Water Infiltration

Persistent leakage reported at the base of the elevator shaft despite past repairs

04

Building Management System (BMS)

A recent upgrade remains incomplete, leaving heating controls reliant on manual operation

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Davis Hill Elementary School, Holden

2000

78,500

Overall: Oil supply system, site safety hazards, and drainage-related deterioration require attention

Ranking

Year Built / Reno

Area (SF)

#10

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Key Issues

Description

01

Oil Supply Line

Temporary repair in place; permanent replacement urgently needed to avoid heating failures

02

Site Conditions

Deteriorated sidewalks and curbing with exposed rebar pose safety risks. Improper paving slopes are causing water accumulation and damage at exit doors

03

Stormwater Management

Leaking gutters and downspouts at entrances are worsening concrete and door frame deterioration, particularly at kindergarten exits

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Wachusett Regional High School, Holden

1953 / 1970 / 2006

380,00

Overall: Serious safety, security, and operational concerns should be prioritized

Ranking

Year Built / Reno

Area (SF)

#11

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Key Issues

Description

01

Lighting System

The lighting control system has never functioned properly and now causes frequent blackout conditions, requiring urgent attention

02

Automotive Shop

The vocational automotive shop is closed due to a floor collapse caused by inadequate structural support and corrosion, creating a significant safety hazard

03

Security

Approximately 75% of security cameras are non-functional, and the school lacks a key fob entry system, leaving security vulnerable

04

Site Conditions

Sidewalks, curbing, and asphalt paving are deteriorated and present tripping hazards

05

Gymnasium Flooring

Rubber flooring is cracking due to lack of proper expansion controls

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Mountview Middle School, Holden

2016

147,000

Overall: Only isolated concerns need attention

Ranking

Year Built / Reno

Area (SF)

#12

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Key Issues

Description

01

HVAC Systems

Addison rooftop units have required frequent repairs and struggle to maintain comfort in extreme weather

02

Lighting Controls

Longstanding operational issues reported since the school’s opening

03

Roof Leak

A leak has been reported near rooftop equipment above the music room, requiring monitoring and maintenance

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Urgent Conditions

03

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Urgent Conditions

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Top 5 Urgent Conditions

01

Glenwood Elementary School

Masonry Deterioration

02

Wachusett Regional High School

Lighting Control Issues

03

Wachusett Regional High School

Automotive Shop Floor Structural Failure

04

District-Wide

Site Paving Issues

05

Thomas Prince K-8 School

Exterior Envelope Deficiencies

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Urgent Conditions

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01

Glenwood Elementary School

Masonry Deterioration

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Urgent Conditions

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02

Wachusett Regional High School

Lighting Control Issues

Lighting controls never properly worked

Auditorium lighting on antiquated system

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Urgent Conditions

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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03

Wachusett Regional High School

Automotive Shop Floor Structural Failure

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Urgent Conditions

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04

District-Wide

Site Paving Issues

Central Tree MS

Glenwood ES

Naquag ES

Chocksett MS

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Urgent Conditions

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05

Thomas Prince K-8 School

Exterior Envelope Deficiencies

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Current Capacities

04

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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  •  

Current Capacities

  • Capacity values:
    • 23 students / class for elementary
    • 20 students / class for middle
    • 10 students / class for high
  • Does not account for:
    • Contract class size limitations
    • Specialized programs
    • Uneven grade distributions
    • Other conditions

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Current Capacities

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Recommended Disposition Options

05

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  • Repair
    • Localized fixes such as small roof replacements, masonry repointing, or spot paving
  • Renovation & Maintenance
    • Broader upgrades, such as replacing entire roof systems
  • Renovation & Addition
    • Renovation work combined with new building additions
  • Replacement
    • Full replacement of a building, though costs exclude land acquisition

Recommended Disposition Options

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Recommended Disposition Options (#1-6)

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Rank

Building

Location

Year Built / Reno

Gross Area (+/-)

Repair

Renovation / Maintenance

Renovation / Addition

Replacement

01

Glenwood Elementary School

Rutland

2005

88,200

X

X

02

Jefferson ECS / Central Office

Holden

1940 / 1970

44,500

X

03

Paxton Center School

Paxton

1968 / 1990

83,000

X

04

Naquag Elementary School

Rutland

1964 / 1999

63,000

X

05

Thomas Prince K-8 School

Princeton

1968

75,100

X

X

06

Central Tree Middle School

Rutland

1998

68,100

X

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Recommended Disposition Options (#7-12)

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Rank

Building

Location

Year Built / Reno

Gross Area (+/-)

Repair

Renovation / Maintenance

Renovation / Addition

Replacement

07

Houghton ES / Chocksett MS

Sterling

1956 / 1992

149,200

X

08

Dawson Elementary School

Holden

1960 / 2000

74,200

X

09

Mayo Elementary School

Holden

1998

89,500

X

10

Davis Hill Elementary School

Holden

2000

78,500

X

11

Wachusett Regional High School

Holden

1953 / 1970 / 2006

380,000

X

12

Mountview Middle School

Holden

2016

147,100

X

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Projected Project Values

06

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Projected Project Values (Top 5 Urgent Items)

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Rank

Building

Urgent Condition

Probable Project Cost (2025 Values)

01

Glenwood Elementary School

Masonry Deterioration

$6,700,000

02

Wachusett Regional High School

Lighting Control Issues

$18,200,000

03

Wachusett Regional High School

Automotive Shop Floor Structural Failure

$1,200,000

04

District-Wide

Site Paving Issues

$24,100,000

05

Thomas Prince K-8 School

Exterior Envelope Deficiencies

$5,200,000

Total of Top 5 Urgent Conditions

$55,400,000

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Projected Project Values (Disposition, #1-6)

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Rank

Building

Location

Year Built / Reno

Gross Area (+/-)

Disposition

Probable Project Costs (2025 Value)

01

Glenwood Elementary School

Rutland

2005

88,200

Repair, Renovation / Maintenance

$8,041,000

02

Jefferson ECS / Central Office

Holden

1940 / 1970

44,500

Replacement

$43,610,000

03

Paxton Center School

Paxton

1968 / 1990

83,000

Replacement

$81,340,000

04

Naquag Elementary School

Rutland

1964 / 1999

63,000

Replacement

$61,740,000

05

Thomas Prince K-8 School

Princeton

1968

75,100

Repair, Renovation / Maintenance

$7,679,000

06

Central Tree Middle School

Rutland

1998

68,100

Renovation / Maintenance

$6,341,000

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Projected Project Values (Disposition, #7-12)

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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Rank

Building

Location

Year Built / Reno

Gross Area (+/-)

Disposition

Probable Project Costs (2025 Value)

07

Houghton ES / Chocksett MS

Sterling

1956 / 1992

149,200

Renovation / Maintenance

$13,676,000

08

Dawson Elementary School

Holden

1960 / 2000

74,200

Reno. / Addition

$11,049,000

09

Mayo Elementary School

Holden

1998

89,500

Renovation / Maintenance

$5,400,000

10

Davis Hill Elementary School

Holden

2000

78,500

Renovation / Maintenance

$5,896,000

11

Wachusett Regional High School

Holden

1953 / 1970 / 2006

380,000

Repair

$50,854,000

12

Mountview Middle School

Holden

2016

147,100

Repair

*1

*1 Minimal issues that do not require a project cost to be associated with the building

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Agenda

Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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01

Methodology

02

Summary Findings by Building

03

Urgent Conditions

04

Building Capacities

05

Recommended Disposition

06

Projected Project Values

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Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment

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