Pollard Middle School Project: $325 Million Key Questions Remain Unanswered

Key Concerns Raised by Residents

1. Cost & Fiscal Responsibility This is the most expensive of seven initial design options. A middle-ground approach — somewhere between the $170M renovation and the $325M full rebuild — may better serve both students and taxpayers.

2. Geothermal Heating ($34 Million) While promoted as “green” with a possible 20% rebate, geothermal systems cost significantly more to install and require specialized ongoing maintenance. Only ~1% of the U.S. uses geothermal. Rebates appear to be driving this choice rather than cost-efficiency or demonstrated effectiveness.

3. Auditorium Scope The auditorium exceeds what a middle school requires and has been designed to function as a town-wide auditorium — at the expense of both taxpayers and the surrounding neighborhood.

4. Four-Story Glass Atrium Visually striking, but a significant cost driver with unclear educational benefit.

5. Cafeteria Size Below State Guidelines The project was initiated to improve conditions, including the current problem of 3–4 lunch periods starting at 10:30 AM. Yet the cafeteria in the proposed design is smaller than what the state (MSBA) recommends for the projected enrollment.

6. Classroom Count Shortfall The original design specification called for 50+ classrooms. The current design includes only 40+. If we are building for future growth, why is the classroom count being reduced?