File photo Hollis Brookline High School.

HOLLIS – The discussion over the proposed $1.9 million STEM lab and fitness center at Hollis Brookline High School will continue Monday.

The new facility would include a state-of-the-art STEM and robotics lab that would move the high school’s robotics team back from the middle school and address some safety concerns and space restrictions brought forward by the

existing space.

The lab would occupy the space currently dedicated to the weight training room, which would then move to a not yet built second floor directly above. This new weight room would allow for more space and privacy for the athletic trainer working with athletes.

The current weight room, according to a presentation by superintendent Andrew Corey, has out of date equipment that would be replaced with newer models, funding separately through donations.

The renovations received the majority vote at the COOP’s lengthy annual district meeting March 15, but with 439 “yes” votes and 266 voting “no,” it did not have the necessary two-thirds vote to pass.

Supporters were very vocal about their desire for the renovated space.

Carryl Roy, who said she and her husband both work in STEM fields, said at the meeting it was an incredibly fast moving industry.

“We cannot leave our children behind with this, absolutely not … I highly recommend this and I implore our other voters to do the same.”

One student, who was met with thunderous applause from the audience, said that FIRST Robotics had a huge impact on his life, and that he was accepted to several colleges largely because of his position on the team.

“We are the future and I urge you to vote in (our) best interest,” he said.

However, opponents who were concerned about the cost and necessity among others, were also speaking out.

Resident Debbie Pucci argued that the district had just seen a dramatic drop in math scores for the first time in years.

“This is very serious.

I do not appreciate people disregarding and being distracted by STEM,” she said.

At a continuation of the meeting a week later, the vote was moved for reconsideration, and

both sides will once again be able to speak their minds on this issue on Monday.

Voting will follow at the high school 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Hannah LaClaire can be reached at 594-1243 or hlaclaire@nashuatelegraph.com.