Thetford Academy’s building project will incorporate a complete renovation of the science building, construction of a new gymnasium, and refurbishment of Anderson Hall.  Upon completion, science, physical education, performing arts, and food service will all have improved and expanded spaces.

• The renovation of the science building will include modernized labs and the addition of one science classroom. The science building ventilation, gas, and water systems do not meet current standards and must be replaced. These changes will eliminate safety concerns and overcrowded space. The current labs were designed and built for science instruction in 1958.
• The construction of a new gymnasium will provide vital, physical education instructional space. This will allow for the simultaneous use of the gym by two PE classes or practicing teams.  Currently, physical education classes, which are taken by 80% of TA students, use the under-sized cafeteria.  After a half-century of use, the Anderson gymnasium space has outlived its useful life: the size, lighting, flooring, seating, electrical and heating systems need replacing or no longer meet code.
• Moving physical education instruction out of Anderson Hall will allow for refurbishing the building. The main floor will be configured into performing arts space and a larger, more conveniently located food service area. 
• The current 75-seat “Shark Tank” (located in the rear of the science building) will be replaced with a performing arts theater in the northern portion of Anderson’s main floor.  This new performing arts space will accommodate 200 seats and include a scene shop. 
• Food service will be moved from the basement of Anderson to the main floor, increasing our cafeteria space in a location adjacent to the kitchen.  The basement of Anderson will then become available for additional instructional space and renovated locker rooms.
• The building project will have a cascade of positive effects on space utilization at TA: hallways will no longer be used for food service; music lessons and social studies classes will move out of closet space and laundry facilities; information technology will be given dedicated space.

The financial planning behind the building project is sound:

• The project cost is estimated at $8.5 million. 30% of this amount will be raised from non-tuition- based resources - $1.2 million through fundraising, $350,000 from asset sales, and $1.0 million from annual endowment contributions over the life of the 25-year bond.  $560,000 of the 1.2 million has been fundraised to date. The first of TA’s twenty-five $40,000 endowment contributions occurred this year.
• The town of Thetford accounts for 70% of TA’s students and will pay approximately half of the costs of the building project through tuition.
• While current economic conditions are weak, construction costs and financing rates are very favorable for building.

Further delay or additional phasing of the building project will:

• Hinder TA’s ability to recruit students from sending towns: fewer students = increased tuition
• Increase the costs of temporary repairs that can no longer be deferred
• Increase the cost of the project and reduce the number of improvements we can afford