Our high school is nearly 50 years old. There’s no getting around the fact that it’s outdated, worn out and inadequate for 21st century learning. It desperately needs to be replaced.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has identified our high school as one of the worst facilities in the State.

Easthampton High School’s accreditation status is in jeopardy because of the building.

Most Pressing Building Deficiencies:

• 1961 building does not meet current building codes
  -Not handicap accessible
  -Lacks sprinkler system
  -Does not meet current structural code

• Building condition problems
  -Poorly organized, inflexible building and space considerations
  -Outdated windows
  -Structural cracking
  -Worn finishes

• Antiquated building operating systems
  -Inefficient and poorly controlled heating and ventilation systems
  -Inadequate electrical and data infrastructure

If we don’t act now, things will continue to get worse

• If the debt exclusion vote does not pass, Easthampton will go to the back of the line with the MSBA. It will be many years before we get another chance to build any new school, and the current H.S. building will continue to deteriorate while maintenance costs increase.
• Meanwhile, we will continue to lose students and funding to school choice (currently $1 million+ dollars per year). Failure to pass the debt exclusion may increase student flight to other districts, costing the city even more.
• The high school may lose it’s accreditation because of the building.

Our most pressing academic needs:

• Overcrowded program spaces
• Undersized classrooms per State standards
• Inadequate facilities for current special programs
• Lacks infrastructure for current technology
• No auditorium for active music and drama programs

Building a new high school is the right thing to do for our children and our community.

Gallery: