Executive Director Walter Landberg announces new plans for construction of academic building
October 9, 2012
Dear IACS Community,
As you may recall, our campus master plan called for four “phases” of campus growth:
· Phase One: Middle School 7/8 science classroom upgrades
· Phase Two: Track and Field Complex
· Phase Three: Additional Classroom Space for 5/6 and Upgrades to “main” building
· Phase Four: Gymnasium
Recently, IACS students have been enjoying the fruits of the first two phases of the initiative; playing soccer on the new artificial turf field and exploring science in our new 7/8 Science wing.
Phase Three, which will address our school’s need for additional classroom space to meet the needs of our increasing enrollment, is already underway. For the fall of 2013 we expect to cut the ribbon on a new classroom building, which will serve grades 5 and 6.
We will continue to complete interior renovations to upgrade and “right size” classrooms to meet the needs of high school students and make “smaller” cosmetic upgrades like flooring and carpeting to improve the overall feel of the learning environment. We have already begun this effort, recently replacing carpets and flooring in key areas, and enhancing our walls with specified display areas for student artwork throughout the building.
While Phases One through Three are achievable within our current program budget (which includes a line item for the many financial gifts of families and other supporters through the years), the reality of achieving Phase Four, a gymnasium, at an estimated cost of 3 million dollars, will depend on significantly increasing the amount of giving in the years to come. As many of you are aware, as a charter school we do not receive additional funding from the state for our facilities, as traditional public schools do. If we are to achieve the dream of the very best school, in all regards, the need for continued and increased financial support from our immediate and broader community cannot be overstated.
I believe that IACS represents the very best that public education has to offer in the Merrimack Valley region. If you’ve received this letter, I’m guessing you feel similarly. Please visit our Expansion Initiative website frequently: http://iacsexpansion.weebly.com/index.html. It includes our plans for campus improvement, more about how you can pledge your financial support today, and ongoing updates. As always, should you have thoughts, questions or ideas to share, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you, in advance, for your support of Innovation Academy.
Sincerely yours,
Walter Landberg
978-649-0432, ext. 2217
Drawing showing street level view of future campus...
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