While there seems to be a general agreement that Lexington is in desperate need for a new high school to house its overflowing student population, the community is still divided on whether a brand new (expensive) high school is really necessary, or if making some additions and renovations (add-reno) will suffice.

While the pros and cons of building a new school vary depending on which design is chosen (there are currently 4), they are generalized below.

Pros of a New School

• The existing school can stay in full use during construction
• It is easier to include additions that the current school does not have (i.e. field house, pool)

Cons of a New School

• Very expensive–may push out many residents who cannot afford the property tax increases
  • Initial estimates don’t even account for a potential pool or field house, which the SBC has yet to decide even to include.
  • No state-reimbursements for building new auditoriums, gyms, cafeterias, and anything else considered “unessential” (considering that we are likely to accept a grant from the MSBA, who has certain terms and policies in return)
• Playing fields will have to be demolished (with design D.2 being the exception)
  • Many sports events/games/practices will have to be cancelled and moved until new fields are built (at least 5 years later)
  • Farmers market will have to move location
• Parkland and wetland will also be affected in certain designs.

Pros of an Add-Reno

• Preserves some of the existing structures
• Fields remain in place

Cons of an Add-Reno

• Requires extensive use of modular (temporary) classrooms while the school is being renovated.
  • Fields will still be disrupted to store building materials or build modular classrooms
  • Modular classrooms themselves are expensive to maintain.
• Less room for additions that residents may want (i.e. field house, pool, etc)
• The current high school has a low headroom framing that will be difficult to design around.
• Will add a year or more to construction
• Costs basically the same as a brand new school

Something many people may not realize is that the add-reno will likely cost as much, if not more, than building a whole new school.

With valid benefits and drawbacks for either option, it would be a good idea for the School Building Committee (SBC) and the designer they are working with (Symmes Maini & McKee Associates) to consider more options while keeping in close and transparent contact with residents.

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For a more specific pro/con list of each design, click here