Hugs and smiles were shared at the Chilmark Preschool groundbreaking ceremony Friday morning as parents, educators and town residents gathered to celebrate the milestone.
The existing preschool has been constrained by its current building a stone’s throw from the construction site across from the town elementary school. In order to be able to admit more pupils, the preschool is planning to build a 2,600 square foot school that includes two classrooms, two bathrooms and rooms for faculty.
The town gave final approval at their select board meeting on June 17 to break ground. In 2023, voters approved the construction of a new preschool on town-owned land. Building plans were approved last summer, which allowed the preschool to proceed with other necessary permits.
The project is estimated to cost about $4.6 million and is expected to be finished in time for the 2026-2027 school year. According to board of directors Rebekah Thomson, funding is still $1.7 million short.
Former preschool board member and current chair of the building committee Alicia Knight acknowledged the landmark.
“Standing here today is incredibly meaningful,” she said to the crowd. “We’re now at maximum capacity and consequently, a whole vision was developed to create a space for our youngsters.”
She thanked the town, parents, staff, board members and contractors who have championed the project.
“Our team knows how to deliver on time, on budget with deep respect for this land and our neighbors,” she said.
Ms. Thomson said Friday’s groundbreaking represents a turning point in the preschool’s history.
“Today also marks a celebration of our preschool’s 20 years of successfully serving Island families, and now we’re building the next 20 years, and actually many more beyond that,” she said.
South Mountain Company, the general contractor for the project, was honored to be a part of the project, according to CEO Deirdre Bohan.
“We look forward to seeing you this time next year for the ribbon cutting,” she said.
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