Rehoboth Election: Monday, April 2nd

Superintendent Supports Ballot Question for New DR High School Roof

Dighton/Rehoboth - On April 2, 2018 there will be a Rehoboth Election.  We are very excited because, on the ballot, there will be a question about the funding of a new high school roof. 

The cost of the High School Roof is $3,101,837.00 and is a shared cost between our two district towns.  Without a new roof and a positive yes vote, we may have to consider building a new high school with a cost estimate of between $150 million and $180 million.  If you look to our neighbors in Attleboro, a new high school there could cost in excess of $280 million.

Thus. the cost to Dighton will be $1,152,242 (37.15%) and the cost to Rehoboth is $1,949,596 (62.85%).

The cost to the two towns is based on the high school student population percentage and each town's equalization value. In a past vote, before I became superintendent, it failed, the cost was over $6.6 million.  The current cost for a new roof at the high school is approximately $3.1 million, which is well below the cost 5 years ago.

Therefore, an estimated tax increase for a $350,000 home owner in Rehoboth will be approximately $42.50 per year for a 20 year loan.  As many of you know, the current roof was installed in 1990 and was projected to last 15 years.  It is now 28 years old and leaking. If the high school roof question passes on April 2nd, the new roof will have a 20 year warranty.

Please note that Dighton has already passed their portion of the roof obligation. However, in order for the high school to be afforded a new roof, Rehoboth must also vote positively on April 2nd.

According to our building facilities manager, Mr. Dave Nappi, a new roof on the high school will mean that the high school building should be viable for the next 20 to 25 years.  

Thus far, we have replaced all of our HVAC and heating systems as well as added a wood chip burner to the high school through a performance contract with the Trane Corporation where our energy savings will pay for the new equipment.

In addition, we have erected solar arrays in our high school parking lots to provide additional cost savings at our high school.  Once again, these solar arrays will be paid for through energy cost savings which is guaranteed by the Trane Corporation. Soon to follow, the high school will be in line to add fiber optics allowing unlimited and extremely fast access to the internet. 

In summary, when I became superintendent in 2014, I made a promise that my administration, working collaboratively with our school committee, would consciously put forward two overarching goals: 1) Increase Student Achievement, and 2) Support the financial stability of our two towns.  I firmly believe that putting a new roof on the high school will support both of those goals..Therefore, on April 2nd, in the Rehoboth Town Election, please consider voting positively for a new high school roof.

Sincerely,

Anthony C. Azar

Superintendent of Schools

Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District