Voters in the town of Newmarket have turned down a controversial new school building. The $45 million dollar new school would have replaced the existing junior and senior high school, part of which is 90 years old.
Newmarket Principal Christopher Andriski says the building isn't modern enough to accomodate what he calls "twenty-first century learning." It also violates fire and safety codes, as well as requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Andriski says he’s disappointed with the results:
“I deal with the best kids in the world, and I’ve said that a million times. To see that this community doesn’t invest in its schools the way it needs to, it’s really disheartening.”
Newmarket taxes are high compared with the rest of the state, and a new school was estimated to increase average local property taxes by as much as $1100 a year – more than voters were willing to take on this year.
The town will be spending about $2 million dollars on initial renovations addressing the most critical fire and safety issues this coming year.
