School Administrative Unit #19 · 11 School Street · Goffstown, NH 03045 · Tel: 603-497-4818 · Fax: 603-497-8425

As a society, the needs of schools are always changing and evolving, often requiring us to rethink how we use our spaces. When Maple Avenue was built almost 50 years ago- did they ever imagine we would need a computer lab or smart boards? What about classrooms and programs to meet the needs of all students in the district?

In March of 2008, the Goffstown School Board charged The Elementary Facilities Renovation Committee (EFRC) to re-assess our facility needs and make recommendations for the future. Throughout 2008, the EFRC met to determine the needs of each school and evaluate the options. The group took into consideration many things, including: current and future enrollment trends, classroom spaces to meet our current and future needs, small group space, upgrades that were needed to any of our elementary schools and safety measures necessary to ensure the security of our schools.

The Committee came to the conclusion, after reviewing approximately six options that the most cost effective and efficient action would be to renovate and add on to both Bartlett and Maple Avenue Elementary Schools, leaving Glen Lake as an early childhood school. They then reviewed their findings with the School Board on September 21, 2009.  

One of the major challenges we need to consider is the need for more space. Both of our elementary schools currently exceed capacity and are experiencing large class sizes in some grades.  Bartlett Elementary just completed phase I of a two phase project that began in 2008.  Phase I put an addition on the front of the school to create a main office area.  This added space provided a secure entrance to the school and created individual spaces for the nurse, office, and conference room. This was a significant need, as all three of these functions shared one space. In addition, several life safety concerns were addressed- such as the installation of a sprinkler system.   Phase II involves the addition of more classrooms (a portable currently houses the library and several office spaces), additional small room spaces, an addition to create an appropriate cafeteria facility and general upgrades such as new windows.

At Maple Avenue , a portable houses two fourth grade classrooms. While having classes in the portable is acceptable, this means that the children need to cross an active driveway in all weather including rain, slush, and snow for simple activities such as using the bathroom. Many of the student bathrooms and storage closets have also been taken over for office, small group space, and conference rooms.  In addition, a secure entrance and office area are needed.

As a next step in the process, the Board placed a warrant article on the ballot to develop architectural and engineering studies for the proposal. This past March, the voters approved using up to $215,000 in impact fees (at no cost to the taxpayer of Goffstown) to pay for the cost of these studies. A follow up committee has been appointed by the school board and is currently working towards identifying the renovation and space needs of each school.

Watch for additional information on this website.

View the Overview of Four Projects Presentation (PDF)