Newton North High Opens - The Most Expensive School in Massachusetts' History
Tens years after its initial planning phase Newton North High School had its opening ceremony yesterday.
What started out originally as a $39 million renovation project to the old structure eventually morphed into the new Newton High North High School at a cost of close to $200 million.
The excessive price tag associated with this school is symbolic of the rising cost of education, not only in Massachusetts, but also nationwide. And, the controversy that has surrounded it has sometimes divided the city of Newton.
The new school, which has been jokingly referred to as the "Taj Mahigh," weighs in at 413,000 square feet. The new building has been thought of as a monument to former mayor David Cohen and the long fight that cost him his popularity.
What does $200 million buy for a high school?
The new Newton North High School features an indoor track, an Olympic sized swimming pool, electronic music lab, simulated outdoor area, a film lecture hall, two theatres, an art complex, a dance studio, an auto body shop, athletic wing, state-of-the-art student cafeteria and a climbing wall.
As a former resident of Newton, I have a special place in my heart for the old Newton North High building since it was there on the old tennis courts that I originally met my husband. I have heard no mention of any state-of-the-art tennis courts in the new structure. It would certainly be a shame if, with this gigantic budget, they skimped on those.
Massachusetts is well-known for its educational institutes but those are mostly in the area of higher learning. However, it seems as though high school students in the city of Newton will be getting not only a first-class education but will also be doing it in complete style and comfort.
Students of Newton North High North - make us all proud.
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