KEENE, NH – The Monadnock Regional School District is hosting a series of listening sessions regarding a $21.5 million bond request to renovate and consolidate elementary schools.

The proposal is an article on this year’s warrant that must get a three-fifths majority to pass in all sending communities. Before voters head to the polls next month, the district is providing opportunities for the community to provide feedback and ask questions.

The plan is to renovate and add to Emerson Elementary in Fitzwilliam, the Gilsum STEAM Academy, Mount Caesar in Swanzey, and Troy Elementary. Cutler Elementary in West Swanzey would close and those students from Richmond, Roxbury, and Swanzey would stay at Mt. Caesar through grade 6.

The first session was held Wednesday night at Emerson, the second is set for tonight at the Troy school at 5 pm. There are two more next week set, Wednesday 2/15 at Mt. Caesar, and Thursday 2/16 at Gilsum STEAM.

“The consolidation/renovation project will bring the buildings into compliance with modern building codes and the Americans with Disabilities Act, update HVAC systems, add energy-efficient lighting, and update electrical and septic systems, as well as improve campus safety and security,” a news release from the district says. “Facility upgrades will improve physical education and fine arts spaces and support modern classroom technologies to ensure equitable education across the district.”

The Board of Education has listed the Monadnock project as the third most-needed school construction project in the state.

More information on the project is available on the dedicated project website.