The Amherst School District is considering a comprehensive renovation and addition to Wilkins Elementary School to address documented facility, educational, safety, accessibility, and operational needs. Built in 1967, the school has aging infrastructure and an outdated layout that no longer adequately supports current instruction or specialized student services. Continued repairs, modular classrooms, mobile carts, and the shared use of one room for dining, physical education, and assemblies do not provide a sufficient long-term solution.

After earlier proposals did not receive voter approval,  the Amherst School Board and SAU 39 leaders reconsidered the project’s educational specifications, enrollment assumptions, and affordability. Banwell Architects, Harvey Construction, and Trident Project Management then developed a new concept based on the school’s documented needs.

The resulting 2026 concept differs substantially from earlier proposals estimated at approximately $52 million. The current preliminary concept, estimated at approximately $33 million, would renovate about 50,729 square feet of the existing building and add approximately 30,000 to 31,000 square feet. Clark School would continue serving preschool and kindergarten, fifth grade would remain at Amherst Middle School, and the Wilkins site would retain space for possible future expansion.

Project highlights include:

• Modernized building systems, including HVAC, ventilation, electrical, plumbing, lighting, roofing, and controls.

• Permanent classrooms that eliminate modular buildings and better support small-group and differentiated instruction.

• Dedicated spaces for special education, intervention, counseling, therapies, and other student services.

• A dedicated gymnasium and appropriate spaces for art, music, technology, and dining.

• A secure main entrance and improvements intended to meet applicable building-code and accessibility requirements.

• Improved traffic circulation, emergency access, and reduced vehicle queuing on Boston Post Road.

• More efficient, maintainable systems and durable materials.

• Reuse of the existing school where practical to limit new construction and preserve Amherst’s public investment.

Floor Plans