Groundbreaking at the new Lynch Elementary School

Pictured left to right: EFPBC Vice Chair and School Committee Member Chris Nixon, School Committee Chair Tom Hopcroft, State Senator Jason Lewis, Town Manager Beth Rudolph, State Representative Mike Day, and Massachusetts School Building Authority CEO James MacDonald.

I had the privilege, as Chair of the Winchester School Committee, of emceeing the Lynch Elementary School groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, March 22, 2024. Information on the project is available at www.Lynch2025.com. My remarks are pasted below.

Good afternoon and welcome! It's a delight to see the sun shining brightly on this momentous occasion, particularly fitting as the new Lynch Elementary will harness solar power to meet its energy needs throughout the year.

I'm Tom Hopcroft, Chair of the School Committee and a proud parent of two Lynchie students, with my youngest currently in fourth grade at Lynch @Parkhurst. I couldn't be more thrilled to be part of this significant groundbreaking ceremony.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our distinguished guests joining us here today. Alongside those I'll introduce shortly for their remarks, I want to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of:

• Hill-LiRo, the Owner’s Project Manager,

• Tappé Architects,

• Brait Construction,

• Lynch Principal Chrissy Capodanno,

• our newly permanent Vice Principal Annemarie Nolty,

• Parent Association Co-Chairs Elizabeth Mooney & Caroline Crocker Otis,

• and the entire Lynch Elementary School Faculty, Staff, Families, & Alumni.

Winchester embodies a deep commitment to academic excellence and athletics, and the construction we embark upon today is a testament to that dedication.

The cornerstone of effective learning lies in a secure, accessible, comfortable, and sustainable learning environment. If a student faces barriers to entering the building, experiences discomfort due to temperature, or feels unsafe, their ability to learn is compromised.

With over 40 languages spoken, Lynch Elementary is a showcase for diversity and fosters a welcoming and inclusive community. The meticulous planning and dedication of countless residents and experts ensure that this facility will support the diverse needs of every student in realizing their fullest potential, academically, personally, and athletically.

Moreover, the new Lynch sets a pioneering benchmark as Winchester's inaugural all-electric net-zero building. Harnessing solar energy from roof and parking canopy panels, it is designed to generate as much power as it consumes, resulting in cost savings for the town, promoting a healthier learning environment, and contributing towards the goals laid out in our town’s Climate Action Plan.

With Lynch and Muraco being the last of our active school buildings in need of significant renovation or replacement, the School Committee remains steadfast in our commitment to the Muraco community and voted unanimously at our meeting on January 9th our intent to submit (jointly, with the Select Board) a new Statement of Interest to the Mass School Building Authority's Core Replacement Program in the next round, which opens in January of 2025.

As has been the case before, there will surely be lessons learned with this project that will enable Muraco to set yet another standard for excellence in our town.

So, today marks a significant milestone for our community, and I'm honored to celebrate it here at Lynch.

Before we proceed to the groundbreaking, I’d like invite a few esteemed guests to share a few remarks. Please join me in welcoming:

• Town Manager Beth Rudolph,

• State Representative Michael Day,

• State Senator Jason Lewis, and

• Massachusetts School Building Authority CEO James MacDonald.

Closing remarks will be provided by:

• Winchester Educational Facilities Planning & Building Committee Chair J Nardone.

Thank you, J.

Now, let's move forward to the groundbreaking ceremony.