Schools plot capital costs

Building costs dominate the public school district’s recently released capital improvement plan. School repairs and improvements take up $95 million of the $153 million, six-year plan. “Much of what is happening in the town is driven by school enrollment needs,” Deputy Superintendent Peter Rowe told the School Committee. The Devotion School renovation and expansion alone will cost the town $46.1 million ($76.9 million total, with anticipated state grants). The town is also investing in upgrades to the Baldwin School, which is now leased, the Unified Arts Building, and the Driscoll School. It will also look at possible expansion possibilities, including whether a land swap may be feasible for some renovations. Already, the schools have added 34 elementary classrooms, going from 196 to 230, since 1996. Enrollment at Brookline High School is expected to start expanding in 2014, and a space needs study is planned for next year, Rowe said. - Andreae Downs