With the Killam School Building Committee unanimously voting to move ahead with option B1 as the preferred design solution, the RISE Preschool at Reading Memorial High School has an opportunity to be completely relocated to the new Killam school. In doing so, 12 new classrooms would be possible in the 3 story building with the RISE Preschool taking over the first floor. While this would not completely eliminate the long waiting list, it would greatly expand the availability of RISE, as over 100 students are currently on it. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has given Reading the green light that the cost for these specific classrooms would be reimbursable along the rates of the rest of the project.
As for what RMHS would do with the new space, they are looking to model it after Uxbridge High School and what they have to offer. From wood-shop, to home economics to 3d-printing, Uxbridge has something for everyone. Best of all, a good portion of it is paid for by the “Innovation Pathways Implementation and Support Grant” money. RMHS would just need the space and with RISE being relocated to Killam, it would do just that.
Below is a video we shot from the Uxbridge tour, which is another piece to help you make an informed decision when the potential vote goes to the ballot around June of 2025.
