Amherst celebrates opening of new elementary school

Amherst celebrated its new Amethyst Brook Elementary School today, bringing two school communities under one roof. 22 News reporter Kaylee Thomas joins us live in studio with a look inside. Ciara, the ribbon was cut today, but students have already been learning inside the new school, replacing Wildwood and Fort River. And we got a closer look at the spaces in use every day. A celebration for a school already full of life. The new Amethyst Brook Elementary School is bringing the Wildwood and Fort River students together on the former Fort River school site. Families along with state and local leaders toured the three-story facility, which replaced both aging schools and will serve students in a modern learning environment. So we had two previous buildings that actually were quite old and, you know, needed the opportunity for us to kind of replenish and refresh and to start forward. Designed for 575 students in kindergarten through fifth grade, the school has five classrooms per grade, a cafeteria with a stage performance space, a library, a gym and music and activity rooms. And at the celebration, students put their musical talents in the spotlight. The school also continues a program where children learn in both Spanish and English. It reminds us to see language as an asset and to build schools where every child's identity is valued and every child has the opportunity to thrive. And outside, students have accessible playground equipment and areas for outdoor learning. This is Amherst's first net-zero energy public building designed to generate as much energy as it uses each year. Solar panels and ground-source heat pumps help make that possible. The total project budget was $99.2 million. The Massachusetts Building Authority has committed up to $49 million. dollars. State Treasurer Deb Goldberg says the funding is an investment in opportunity. Being able to create pathways throughout all our communities for our kids because that's what's important. In 2023, Amherst voters approved a temporary property tax increase to also help pay for the school with 82 percent voting in favor. Now money left over from the campaign supporting that vote is going back to students. The Yes for Amherst Schools ballot committee donated nearly $3,000 to the school's new parent guardian organization for annual student civics projects. The new school will also include restored playing fields, basketball courts and trails extending its reach beyond the classroom. Working for you, Kaylee Thomas, 22 News.