ROCHESTER — The ceremonial first step in the construction of a new elementary school on Salmon Falls Road happened Wednesday, as school and city officials donned hardhats and stuck shovels in the ground.
On Wednesday, school and city officials were joined by state Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut, Executive Councilor Joe Kenney, Gordon Bristol, the consultant overseeing the project for the city, and architect Ingrid Nichols of Banwell Associates.
Prep work on the site has been ongoing for weeks.
"This project has been 10 years in the making," said Sarah Harrington, school board member and chair of the city's joint building committee. "This project is the result of a true community effort. From the initial planning stages to groundbreaking, we have worked together to create a school that reflects our shared vision for the future.”
Annie Azarloza, Rochester's new superintendent, said she was very excited to be part of the opening of a new school.
"This is our future," said Azarloza. "A project like this one cements our belief that education changes lives."
Edelblut said he was pleased to see the state invest in Rochester and its leaders.
"I know the children will succeed under their leadership," he said.
Things to know about the new elementary school
The elementary school on Salmon Falls Road will be the city's largest, and will house up to 420 students, grades kindergarten through five.
The facility’s first floor will include a library, cafeteria, gymnasium, rooms dedicated to music and art, and special education class space, city officials said in a press release. Classrooms will include natural lighting and materials, flexible space, and state-of-the-art technology. The second floor will house a dozen classrooms and additional special education spaces.
Bristol, of Bristol Consulting, said the project is right on track. He said it is anticipated to cost about $33.6 million.
On Oct. 18, 2023, the Rochester City Council approved funding of $15.5 million toward the school. The state Department of Education ranked the project at the top of its funding list for the 2024 cycle, providing $15.77 million in support.
“This school will provide our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and developmentally for decades to come," said School Board Chair Shane Downs. "We’re proud to give the next generation of Rochester students this beautiful facility and look forward to the moments and memories to come here.”
"The construction of this new school is a testament to local elected officials, taxpayers, administrators, and educators' commitment to education," said Kenney, NH Executive Councilor for District 1. "It represents our belief in the potential of every child who will walk through its doors We are investing not just in bricks and mortar, but in the future of our children, and, by extension, the future of Rochester."
Representing the district was Azarloza and Assistant Superintendent Alison Bryant. School Board members present were Downs, Harrington, Karen Stokes, Nick Bellows, Matt Beaulieu, David Carmine, Paul Cormier, Shauni McGowen, and Matt Pappas.
City Manager Katie Ambrose was on hand as was Mayor Paul Callaghan and Deputy Mayor Don Hamann (vice chair of the JBC). Councilors Bryan Karolian, Leslie Horne, David Herman, Kevin Sullivan, Alex de Geofrey, and Tim Fontneau attended.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Rochester breaks ground on new elementary school on Salmon Falls Road
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