From High-Profile Monthly (see the full paper from March, 2009)

Gorham School District Undergoes Renovations

Gorham, NH – Last year, the town of Gorham approved a $5.385 million bond to be used for renovations at the Gorham Middle High School and the Ed Fenn Elementary School. Additional donations produced another $141,000, creating a $5.526 million total budget for construction purposes. Divided into two phases, the project will encompass about 100,000sf of repairs and improvements, upgrading the aged architecture of the two schools and adding new amenities to both facilities.

After deciding upon Gilford-based Meridian Construction to handle the rebuilding process, Phase I was set to concentrate on reroofing both schools, performing major structural improvements to the top of Ed Fenn, upgrading the GMHS sprinkler system, introducing new ceilings, new lights, flooring, and various other elements to both institutions.

Over the summer, things progressed quite briskly, even though numerous challenges and setbacks arose. At Ed Fenn Elementary School, immediately after the demolition of its ceiling and lighting, the team discovered that the building’s electrical system did not meet code. At the owner’s discretion, the engineers quickly evaluated and redesigned the setup, and the contractors completed all electrical wiring replacements in enough time to keep to the original schedule. Other strange delays arose, including the discovery of a large attic space in GMHS, previously unknown by its owners.

In October, the Gorham Randolph Shelburne Cooperative School Board released an update of the progress made on Phase I. According to SAU 20 Superintendent Paul Bousquet, everything was proceeding in good time and order.

Many of the changes at the GMHS have consisted of gymnasium alterations and classroom modifications. A new lift has been installed leading to the girls’ locker area on the second floor in the gym, to provide handicap accessibility. The ‘leaning’ gym wall has been engineered and repaired so that it will no longer move from its current position. Science, industrial arts/technology and family/consumer classroom renovations are quickly moving forward. New doors and hardware are being installed in all areas of the renovation.

The second phase of renovations will include a new kitchen for the GMHS, new cafeteria, two new classrooms, industrial arts room, potential space for a biomass boiler, and a small patio outside the cafeteria for recreation.

Phase II is scheduled to be completed by June 2009.

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