The main (and apparently official) talking points in favor of building a new combined middle school at the north end of North Kingstown have us scratching our heads. Let’s dissect these talking points one by one.

• Both Davisville and Wickford Middle Schools were rated “very poor” in a 2016 statewide study of school conditions (using 2014 data). Priorities for both schools include roof work as well as replacement of doors, windows, lighting, flooring, ceilings, and plumbing. HVAC and modern efficient water heaters and kitchen equipment are need, as well as safety improvements to fire alarms, sprinklers, and utility shut-off valves.

Response: NO qualified engineers have been brought in to inspect, assess, envision or provide cost estimates for renovation and modernization at either middle school. Costs to renovate could quite possibly be significantly less than building new – but we don’t know. This basic homework and research has not been done. Details here.

• A typical modern classroom, with independent study areas and space for classroom libraries and group learning exercises, is around 850 sq ft. This is 100-200 sq ft larger than typical DMS or WMS classrooms.

See above: We don’t know what it would cost to do this as part of renovations to the two existing schools. It hasn’t been looked into.

• Using current RI School Construction Regulations, both DMS and WMS require new construction to bring cafeterias, media centers, and libraries to contemporary levels, allowing for more appropriate scheduling of meals, club meetings, and other activities.

See above: Once again, we don’t know what it would cost to do this as part of renovations to the two existing schools.

• A modern net-zero school with good insulation and solar power contribution typically requires less than half the annual energy costs per square foot as DMS and WMS, with estimates reaching as low as 20-30% of the current energy costs.

See above: We don’t know what it would cost to address this as part of renovations to the two existing schools.

• Energy savings can also be financed independently, and can reduce a project’s cost 20-50% once rebates, grants, and incentives are taken into account.

But the school bond will nevertheless have a principal balance of $167.4 million; that won’t change.

• Money will have to be invested in DMS and WMS soon, whether or not the bond passes, no less than $40 million, according to a 2022 estimate.

They say it is “cheaper to build new than to renovate.” But then they say it will only cost $40 million to get the two middle schools on track. Which is it?

• The bond cost of $167 million will be matched by at least 35% and likely as much as 55% state funds. This will result in an actual cost of $75-80 million, and a tax increase of 2.5-3%, probably less once the energy savings are accounted for.

To reiterate: The school bond will nevertheless have a principal balance of $167.4 million; that won’t change. And we’re really going to have a tax increase that is LESS than the state mandated limit of 4 percent? That’s farcical. We’ve addressed this elsewhere.

• The June presentation to the Town Council on the subject did not account for either the state reimbursement or energy savings. Nor did it account for the way schools affect property values.

How does having one of the highest tax rates in the state affect property values?

• Building two new middle schools on the original sites would cost 30-40% more than building one larger one. Some aspects, such as athletic fields and total square feet, would necessarily be different, raising equity concerns.

Let us repeat: They say it is “cheaper to build new than to renovate.” But then they say it will only cost $40 million to get the two middle schools on track. Which is it? Let’s sing it one more time: NO qualified engineers have been brought in to inspect, assess, envision or provide cost estimates for renovation and modernization at either middle school. Costs to renovate could quite possibly be significantly less than building new – but we don’t know. The homework and research has not been done. As for equity is concerned, how equitable is it to ask students from the southern end of town to endure VERY long bus rides to get to to a middle school that is a stone’s throw from the East Greenwich line, while other students live quite close by? (By the way, busing options have not been studied. Icing on the cake.)

• Restoration projects are inherently difficult and uncertain, given issues of failing concrete, asbestos, mold, and other hazardous materials that may not be apparent until renovation begins.

That’s WHY its absurd that (here we go again!) NO qualified engineers have been brought in to inspect, assess, envision or provide cost estimates for renovation and modernization at either middle school. Costs to renovate could quite possibly be significantly less than building new – but we don’t know. The homework and research has not been done.