Why build a new high school on a new site?

  • 561 Capacity at 85% utilization (State recommendation)(660 at 100%)
  • 647 Students enrolled as of (June 2009)
  • Utilization allows for flexibility in curriculum, easier traffic flow and allows the school to absorb "bubble" classes.

Why build a new high school on a new site?

After much research, the High School Facilities Committee concluded that it is better to build a new school on a new site than to continue using the existing building as a high school.

Building a new high school on a new site avoids challenges with regards to septic design, parking location and capacity, and sports field location. This strategy also enables us to address other Pelham School District needs by re-using the existing structure in the future.

What does a new high school do for Pelham?

  • An improved facility would enable PHS to offer students a better curriculum, resulting in more opportunities for graduates.
  • A new high school would remove the stigma of PHS having a "Warning" accreditation status.
  • A new high school makes the town more attractive to potential homebuyers and homebuilders. More homes broaden the tax base, and bring more customers to town for local businesses.
  • It is common for communities that build a new high school to experience a 10-15% improvement in property values.

What are some concerns about the existing High School?

  • PHS is at or near capacity and above the state recommended utilization percentage
  • PHS Academic Accreditation Status
    • PHS is currently on a Warning status from New England Association of Schools and Colleges, (NEASC), November 2008. Reasons cited:
      • "Inadequate classroom space"
      • "Only one set of student restrooms for an enrollment of students close to 700 students."
      • "Security and safety of building occupants caused by the open access to the facility from the portable classrooms."
      • "Limited space available to teachers for planning and collaboration"
      • "Ongoing instructional distractions caused by classroom walls and partitions that do not extend from floor to ceiling."
      • "Lack of adequate storage throughout the facility."
      • "Inadequate space in the food services and cafeteria areas to provide a full school breakfast and lunch program for a sufficient number of students. "
      • "Undersized cafeteria, which requires the school to schedule four lunch periods."
      • Many colleges require graduation from an Accredited High School.
  • PHS would like to offer its students an even better curriculum consisting of 59 class titles. Currently the school offers 47 classes. Space and teacher resources are the primary constraints.
  • 16 of 18 general classrooms are undersized.
  • Undersized specialty areas include music, art, computer lab, darkroom, and special education.
  • PHS wishes to offer a Biotechnology Pathway as part of its curriculum, but lack of lab space prevents this.
  • 7/6/09 Statements by Ed Murdough, NH Bureau of School Approval Facility Management:
    • "Rooms 20 and 22 meet the standard of 120 square feet in effect at the time the school was built. Room 6, at 985 square feet, is acceptable for biology where there is minimal use of hazardous chemicals."
    • "We will change our records to indicate that the school meets minimum state requirements for science instructional spaces. I should emphasize the word minimum."