Городской совет Уотертауна продвигает проект строительства средней школы стоимостью 110 миллионов...

The Watertown City Council voted unanimously Tuesday, Oct. 6, to move forward with plans for a new middle school, bringing the approximately $110 million project one step closer to construction. The vote authorizes the School Building Committee to advance the project toward bidding, subject to future funding approval. The City Council will still need to approve borrowing for construction once bids are received. City Manager George Proakis presented an updated financial plan showing how Watertown could fund the school without a Proposition 2½ debt exclusion, although the investment would limit some of the city's future financial flexibility. School officials emphasized the need to replace the more than century-old building. Superintendent Dr. Dede Galdston said none of the school's six science classrooms meet state standards and cited outdated facilities, accessibility concerns and an inefficient building layout. The proposed school would feature modern science labs, collaborative learning spaces, a gymnasium, auditorium and expanded outdoor areas. The city hopes to begin bidding in early 2027, with students temporarily relocating to the former high school modular campus during construction. The new middle school is targeted to open in September 2029.