Evaluating Groton's School Facilities: Cutler Middle School

Carl C. Cutler Middle School was built in 1960. It currently serves 369 students and stands at an impressive 73,671 square feet in area.

The school also faces a number of facility issues, including problems with ethernet wire storage, non-friable asbestos, ventilation, and communication. (Though classrooms are equipped with an intercom system, not every classroom has a telephone.)

“Ten years ago it was viewed as a luxury,” said Wes Greenleaf, director of buildings and grounds at the Groton Public School District. “Today it’s viewed as a necessary tool.”

The school also grapples with the need for rescue windows—a window large and low enough for occupants or rescue personnel to exit through its opening. Windows at Cutler Middle School are located too far off the ground or impede exit.

Cutler Middle School also requires sprinkler installation to meet with current fire and safety codes.

“The Fire Marshall could give us a hard time, but because we have evacuation drills,” said Greenleaf. “They’re okay with us.”

Though improvements need to be made at the school, it stands as one in the district requiring little initial investment.

“We could probably do minimal reinvesting in it and extend its life 20 years,” said Greenleaf. “The question is: will it be a middle school? What’s the configuration?”