Project Overview
Project Costs
Total Cost: $19,300,000 (Gross Budget), funded through bonds or notes via new taxation.
Construction Overview
The plan adds 33,600 square feet of new space in a single addition as well as fixing critical systems and provides updates and renovations in the existing building.
Warrant Lanuage
To see if the District will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Nineteen million three hundred thousand ($19,300,000) (gross budget) to finance the major addition and renovation project for the Wilkins Elementary School building, located at 80 Boston Post Road, Amherst, NH and to authorize the issuance of not more than Nineteen million three hundred thousand dollars ($19,300,000) of bonds or notes under and in compliance with the Municipal Finance Act, RSA 33:1 et seq., as amended; to authorize the School Board to apply for, obtain and accept federal, state or other aid, if any, which may be available for said project and to comply with all laws applicable to said project; to authorize the School Board to issue, negotiate, sell and deliver said bonds and notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon and the maturity and other terms thereof, and to authorize the School Board to take any action or to pass any other vote relative thereto, and further to raise and appropriate an additional sum of XXX,XXX ($XXX,XXX) for the first year’s interest payment on the bond. (3/5 ballot vote required)
Project Details
This proposal offers a pragmatic, efficient solution to the Wilkins Elementary School constraints. By focusing on a Design/Build approach, this plan addresses the school’s critical needs while capping the total cost under $20 million—significantly lower than the $50M+ alternatives.
33,600 SF Addition
The core of this plan involves a single, cohesive addition that expands the building footprint without the chaos of a sprawling construction site.
Encapsulated Grade Level: Fully houses the 4th Grade (moving them out of portable trailers).
Dedicated Specialist Spaces: New, permanent homes for Art, Music, Library/Media, and OT/PT services.
Program & Support: Includes spaces for STARS, My Time, PE offices, and a Teachers’ Lounge.
Community Gymnasium: A high-quality gymnasium designed to meet student physical education needs and serve as an active community hub, particularly during winter months.
Re-Imagining Existing Space
Rather than demolishing concrete walls, this plan treats the existing building like an efficient “office tenant fit-out,” utilizing partitions to reshape space with minimal waste.
Classroom Shift: Existing 2nd Grade spaces will move into the vacated 4th Grade rooms.
Enhanced Security: The front administration and entry will relocate to the former library, creating a secure, monitored vestibule.
Support Services: Vacated 2nd Grade classrooms will be partitioned to create 2,200 SF of new space for Case Workers, Guidance, Math, and Reading intervention.
Critical Infrastructure & Safety Upgrades
This budget incorporates a comprehensive maintenance list (sourced from Facilities forecasting) to ensure the building’s longevity. These items are scheduled for completion in Summer 2026/2027.
Safety & Compliance: Full asbestos abatement (encapsulation) and glycol replacement in sprinkler lines as well as electrical panel replacement.
Accessibility: ADA bathroom upgrades.
Site Work: Allowance for a new loop/drop-off road to the east to improve traffic flow.
Deferred Maintenance: Includes essential updates such as exterior caulking and code compliance measures.
Minimal Disruption & Timeline
Unlike other options, which require 24–30 months of construction and the use of temporary trailers, this plan prioritizes educational continuity.
No Temporary Classrooms: No students will be moved into new trailers during construction.
Accelerated Schedule: Targeted completion by September 2027 (assuming Spring/Summer 2026 start).
Future Proofing: The design allows for future expansion (Kindergarten/5th Grade) to the east without disrupting this new footprint.
Documents
Bond Options
10 Year (3.44%)
Principal: $19,300,00
Interest: $3,987,172
Total Cost: $23,287,172
First Year Interest
$482,500
First Year Tax Impact
$0.20 per $1,000
Year 2-10 Tax Impact
$0.93 per $1,000
15 Year (3.94%)
Principal: $19,300,00
Interest: $6,731,931
Total Cost: $26,031,931
First Year Interest
$482,500
First Year Tax Impact
$0.20 per $1,000
Year 2-15 Tax Impact
$0.70 per $1,000
20 Year (4.30%)
Principal: $19,300,00
Interest: $9,927,665
Total Cost: $29,227,665
First Year Interest
$482,500
First Year Tax Impact
$0.20 per $1,000
Year 2-20 Tax Impact
$0.59 per $1,000