Residents of Sharon turned out at the high school Wednesday night to see the renovations that have taken place in the building and to learn what’s to come.

The 40 community members were led through the building by Superintendent Richard A. Rossi and Greer Hayden of HHSDR Architects and Engineers, Sharon. Rossi said the basic $8.8 million renovation plan includes asbestos removal, a new heating and ventilation system, making the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and a new roof.

Some of the building has already been fireproofed and asbestos removed.

School directors have already approved a $10 million bond issue for the work. Rossi said he is going to ask the board to approve an additional $6 million to $8 million for work not included in the basic plan. The additional items would be things such as a new kitchen, gym floor, a technology education wing and auditorium seating.

The board is predicting a 14-mill tax increase to cover the bond issue. The taxes can be raised gradually over the next three years or all at once.

Parent Janet Adams said she isn’t very concerned about the bond issue and tax hikes. She said she was curious to see what is being planned and was pleased with what she saw.

"It’s a tough decision to make for the community and the board of education because you’re talking dollars and cents," Rossi said. He added no unnecessary work is being done; floor tiles and doors are good and will not be changed.

Rossi also told visitors about the administration’s goal to create "a school within a school."

He said when the renovations are complete, seventh- and eighth-graders will be educated on the first floor as if it were a middle school. He said the community can’t afford a separate, new building for them.

Resident Pedro Calleia said he thinks the work is needed because the building is more than 30 years old. He said the tax increase may be tough but "Let’s face it, it has to be done."

Sandra Riffe shared Calleia’s sentiments. She said she isn’t too worried about the tax increase because it’s for the good of the students.

Hayden said the windows are single-paned, don’t work very well and should be replaced. He also showed visitors a place in the technology education wing where a walkway is sinking and the floor is cracked.

School directors Linda Valentino, Nick Morocco, Pamela Corini, Richard Mancino and Kathy Hall attended the tour and talked with residents.