Wachusett Regional School District
Facilities Assessment
May 19, 2026
Presented by Gienapp Architects
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 |
Methodology
01
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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Methodology
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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Goal: High-level Overview of the Overall Condition of the Facilities
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? |
Summary Findings by Building
02
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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How did we “rank” the buildings?
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Urgent Conditions
03
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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Urgent Conditions
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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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 |
Urgent Conditions
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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01 | Glenwood Elementary School | Masonry Deterioration |
Urgent Conditions
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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02 | Wachusett Regional High School | Lighting Control Issues |
Lighting controls never properly worked
Auditorium lighting on antiquated system
Urgent Conditions
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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03 | Wachusett Regional High School | Automotive Shop Floor Structural Failure |
Urgent Conditions
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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04 | District-Wide | Site Paving Issues |
Central Tree MS
Glenwood ES
Naquag ES
Chocksett MS
Urgent Conditions
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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05 | Thomas Prince K-8 School | Exterior Envelope Deficiencies |
Current Capacities
04
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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Current Capacities
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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Current Capacities
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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Recommended Disposition Options
05
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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Recommended Disposition Options
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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Recommended Disposition Options (#1-6)
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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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 | | |
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 | | | |
Projected Project Values
06
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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Projected Project Values (Top 5 Urgent Items)
Wachusett Regional School District | Facilities Assessment
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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 |
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 |
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
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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