Thursday, March 3, Norton voters attended an information session by the Norton High School Building Committee.

Residents were given the opportunity to comment on the proposed school project to Pinck & Co. project manager Margaret Minor Wood, Greg Smolley of JCJ Architecture, members of the School and Building Committees, principal Raymond Dewar and superintendent Dr. Patricia Ansay.

Wood explained to attendees that the main concerns are the heating system, roof and windows. “Without the reimbursement, the town would have to ultimately bear the burden,” she said. “We think the reimbursement rate will be between 58 and 60 percent.”

"Most people were shocked to learn that there are no fire sprinklers in that building," said Tom Golota, who is a member of both the School and Building Committees. The renovation will also include a new roof and will address traffic flow issues on the outside of the building.

The majority of people who have spoken to Wood about the project have been parents with children in the school system. “They are very excited about it,” Wood said.

The main concern for Ed Beatty, who does not have any children or grandchildren in the school system, was the cost to the town, which could range from $12,002,860 to $27,101,669 after state reimbursement. “The project is a lot more extensive than described in the paper,” he said.

“I was just floored at the amount [of money it would cost], but now I see what you are going to do,” he explained to Wood.

"Many people did not realize that in addition to the new piece being added on, the existing parts of the school will also be renovated," Golota said. "I also stressed the better security of the building with a new entry way and easier access for the general public to the common areas like the cafeteria and the gym.

"Many were concerned about the auditorium. We will definitely be addressing the lighting, sound and acoustics, but we will be somewhat limited on the actual structure of the back of the auditorium," he said.

Another concern people have are the tiles that currently adorn the ceiling tiles.

“We need to figure out how to take the idea of decorating the building and transforming it to work in the new building,” Wood said. “We want to keep that idea.” She said that though nothing has been decided yet, the school could offer the tiles back to the people who created them or any number of other ways to preserve them.

At the event, which also had several sessions during the day at the various public schools, there were displays on the interior and exterior layout, a video of the existing building and a projector showing the project’s website.

A meeting with the United Regional Chamber of Commerce will be held at Trinity Bar & Restaurant Monday, March 7, 5 p.m. for local businesses to learn about this project.