Classrooms that were created from the renovation of the art wing at Chelmsford High School feature brand new furniture and state-of-the-art equipment.

by Jen Oemig

CHELMSFORD – During the summer and fall months, lots of activity was happening at Chelmsford Public Schools with numerous capital projects taking shape.

At the high school, the entire art wing was renovated, taking what was once open space and turning it into five functional classrooms.

“When the high school was designed in the ‘70s, someone had the idea to make this all open concept,” said Christy Whittlesey, K-12 Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator for the district. “So, we have classrooms for the very first time.”

The entire space was gutted, with new flooring, walls, ceilings, electrical and plumbing installed.

Each of the classrooms is now equipped with new furniture and state-of-the-art equipment, including tables, chairs and cabinets.

“The teachers are thrilled,” Whittlesey said. “They have more space, it’s more organized, it’s cleaner. … Everybody’s excited about it.”

With art being one of the most popular electives at Chelmsford High School, Whittlesey said the upgrades were necessary to ensure the needs of the students are met.

“We’re very lucky and we feel very grateful that we were able to get this project done,” she said. “The custodial team worked incredibly hard over the summer to get everything completed.”

CHS Kitchen

In addition to the art rooms, the high school cafeteria was also overhauled, with completion in early October.

The kitchen at Chelmsford High School was recently renovated, allowing for the replacement of equipment, including a new serving line.

Nancy Antolini, director of nutrition for Chelmsford Public Schools, said the project had been in the works for about two years.

“We were going to do it at the same time we did McCarthy’s kitchen,” she said. “But thankfully, the decision was made to do one at a time.”

Equipment removal began in May, and the kitchen opened back up for service the first week of October.

“It’s an accomplishment; we did it,” Antolini said, adding that the Town of Chelmsford was great to work with throughout the process. “It’s a dream kitchen.”

Antolini said the students are loving the new options available to them during lunch.

A front entry secure vestibule was installed at McCarthy Middle School, which requires guests to the building to scan an ID or license in order to receive a printed badge and gain access to the school.

“The made-to-order salads have been very popular,” she said. “And the rice and noodle bowls have been a hit, as well.”

Outside the building, the tennis and basketball courts at Chelmsford High have been redone and a new pickleball area has been added.

McCarthy Vestibule

Another major project that was completed recently was the addition of a front entry secure vestibule at McCarthy Middle School.

“McCarthy staff member, Mrs. Holland, has been doing an exceptional job as she manages the students and visitors who come in and out throughout the school day,” shared Dr. Jeff Parks, principal of McCarthy Middle School. “We may make adjustments along the way as we learn the routine, but folks seem to be getting the hang of the change fairly easily.”

Similar to the vestibule that is in place at the high school, all guests who want to enter McCarthy Middle School are asked to scan their license or ID card, in order to receive a printed badge to wear upon entry.

When visitors are ready to depart, they can simply scan the badge at the same kiosk to sign out. Students who are late to school are also required to come through the vestibule area in order to sign in and receive a pass to class.

“This added layer of security and convenience was much-needed at McCarthy and we are grateful for everyone’s patience and flexibility as we adjust to the change,” Dr. Parks added.

Other Projects

Several other capital projects took place over the summer months, including:
• Replacement of storefront door and cement walkway at McCarthy Middle School
• Roof top unit replacement on modular classrooms at McCarthy
• Gymnasium floor replacement at Parker Middle School
• Roof top unit replacement on modular classrooms at Parker
• Bathroom floor replacement at Byam Elementary School
• Kitchen floor replacement at Byam Elementary School
• Lightning protection system installation at South Row Elementary School
• Painting and reconditioning of the front overhang walkway at South Row
• Boiler replacement at Harrington Elementary School
• Boiler replacement at Westlands School (Community Education)