Improvements to Mansfield Middle School’s air quality systems, front entrance, elevator, and main office spaces got underway during the spring break, a construction project which will pay great dividends to the school for years to come.
The Town of Mansfield received a School Security Grant for the renovations to the entrance at the Middle School to relocate it through the main office. A secure vestibule will be added that directs visitors to the office where they can be monitored and registered. This design involves installing a new entry ramp and stairs from the main entrance walk and canopy down into the existing courtyard that is on the same level as the office.
The project calls for interior redesign of the main office area in preparation for this new entrance. Mansfield Middle School staff began preparing for these improvements several weeks ago with relocation of the principal and assistant principal’s office, as well as the relocation of the nurse’s office. The project also involves a full replacement of the elevator, which was original to the building (c. 1969). The elevator shaft will be enlarged to accommodate a new fully accessible, modern elevator car and mechanicals. This project is made possible in part through the 2023 Public School Security Competitive Grant Program administered by Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. The project totals $2,463,610, with the grant funding $795,060 and the Town investing $1,668,550 in these improvements.
During the first week of construction, Sarazin Construction, the Town’s general contractor on the project began a full site mobilization. Initial work included fencing off of exterior construction areas, along with the construction of interior containment walls to keep the construction area secure and prevent noise and dust from traveling outside of the construction zone. The contractor completed some of the more noisy demolition work while students and staff were away on spring break in mid-April.
Coincidental to this project, the Town’s Facilities Department is also overseeing improvements to the gymnasium and the third floor. The district received a school construction grant through the Department of Administrative Services which will fund improvements to the Heating-Ventilation-Air Condition (HVAC) systems. The total project cost is $2,800,000 with the grant funding $2,129,960 and the local match by the Town of Mansfield $670,040. The overarching goal is to improve indoor air quality, and optimize the comfort level of student and staff in all seasons. Air conditioning will be installed to service the third floor classrooms and the gymnasium, areas currently lacking this feature.