The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the January 14, 2026 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting: 

District: Blackstone-Millville Regional School District 

School: Blackstone-Millville Regional High School 

Phase: Feasibility Study 

Owner’s Project Manager: Colliers Project Leaders NE, LLC 

Designer: Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc. 

The Blackstone-Millville Regional School District (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design to replace the existing Blackstone-Millville Regional High School on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: appreciation of the District’s Educational Program as well as its success in regionalization and the expanded opportunities it provides for students; importance of continuity in the District’s educational vision as the project progresses; distribution and adjacencies of subject matter classrooms as it relates to the curriculum and support of cross-disciplinary learning; suggestion to create exploratory learning opportunities for second semester seniors; opportunities for students to travel and suggestion of reaching out to local businesses for potential support for scholarships; staffing and licensure considerations related to the Media Center; appreciation for professional development and review of teaching licensures; opportunity for additional flexibility of the proposed music room to support performance and black box theater-type functions; consideration of outdoor learning spaces, including accessibility for special needs students and travel time from academic spaces; use, orientation, and maintenance of the proposed outdoor amphitheater; location and size of the gymnasium, including visual impact from the road and opportunities to introduce fenestration, daylighting, and signage; envisioned character, visibility and clarity of the building entrances, including differentiation between main and secondary entrances and architectural strategies used to signal building entrances; approach to incorporating seventh grade within the 7-12 high school, including a dedicated academic area for seventh grade, integration with the broader program, and mentorship across grade levels; opportunities for future expansion of the building in relation to the seventh grade; recommendation to include grade configurations in the description of options within the Preliminary Design Pricing Table for clarity; and, DESE review of Special Education spaces in the Schematic Design phase.

 

District: City of Chicopee 

School: Anna E. Barry Elementary School 

Phase: Feasibility Study 

Owner’s Project Manager: Colliers Project Leaders NE, LLC 

Designer: Caolo & Bieniek Associates, Inc. 

The City of Chicopee (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design replace the existing Anna E. Barry Elementary School with a new facility on the site of the Szetela Early Childhood Center The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: community outreach and support as well as funding strategies for the proposed project; appreciation of the Educational Program and clarification regarding grade level instruction; scheduling considerations as it relates to Science and Social Studies to allow sufficient time for student activities and exploration; ongoing review of class schedules across the District; the relationship between the existing Szetela Early Education Center and the proposed building; interior circulation, visual connections and opportunities for further development around the gymnasium; opportunities for outdoor learning and further development of the courtyard area; program and class size goals; discussion of MSBA space guidelines; and, DESE review of Special Education spaces in the Schematic Design phase. 

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the January 28, 2026 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting: 

District: Town of Needham 

School: Pollard Middle School 

Phase: Feasibility Study 

Owner’s Project Manager: Town of Needham 

Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.  

The Town of Needham (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design to replace the existing Pollard Middle School with a new facility serving grades 6-8 on the site of the existing school. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: appreciation for the Educational Program and the updates made since the original submission; distribution of special education spaces and the DESE review process following Schematic Design; appreciation for the proposed Heritage Spanish Program; flooding and stormwater management on the site; community outreach and support for the project among non-school affiliated voters; considerations surrounding the distribution of restrooms to ensure accessibility; appreciation for the proposed site plan and the transition between parking areas, landscape, and the building; alignment of site drop off and entrance designs with existing student transportation methods; interior circulation and distribution of 6th grade students in comparison to 7th and 8th grade students; appreciation and emphasis of maintaining the proposed solar canopy over third floor outdoor roof space;  future discussion about site constraints including soil management, phasing, and construction access through the neighborhood once a construction manager at risk is on board; solar battery storage considerations; noise mitigation from nearby MBTA tracks; consideration of altering placement of art and music spaces with the media center to facilitate programmatic opportunities for art classes;  differentiation of the two primary entrances;  ongoing efforts to align the estimated project budget with the District’s not-to-exceed budget during Schematic Design; and, potential impacts to the scope and construction schedule as a result of proposed geothermal well-fields requiring access under existing railroad tracks. 

District: Martha’s Vineyard Regional Schol District 

School: Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School 

Phase: Schematic Design 

Owner’s Project Manager: CHA Consulting, Inc. 

Designer: Tappé Architects Inc. 

The Martha’s Vineyard Regional School District (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an update on the District’s preferred solution for an addition and renovation project at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: development and refinement of the design since approval of the District’s Preferred Schematic, including addition of the proposed practice gym, relocation of the Culinary program, and the mechanical system change from ground source to air source heat pumps; importance of continued emphasis on professional development in preparation for the transition to the updated facility; suggestion to engage with local businesses for potential faculty collaboration and funding opportunities; status of DESE’s review of the District’s Special Education submission; cost considerations; and, suggestion for early communication with the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office to confirm anticipated MBE/WBE/VBE/SDVOBE participation goals. 

District: City of Salem 

School: Salem High School 

Phase: Schematic Design 

Owner’s Project Manager: Accenture, PLC 

Designer: Perkins & Will Architects, Inc. 

The City of Salem (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an update on the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Salem High School with a new facility serving students in grades 9-12, on the site of the existing school. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: appreciation of the proposed design and refinements made since approval of the District’s Preferred Schematic; clarification of program delivery for the LBLD, TIDES and STEP programs; appreciation of the relationship/layout of the CTE programs and academic spaces; clarification of the proposed entry to the auditorium for community use; relocation and proposed use of the black box theater as a multipurpose performance space; proximity of the Auto, Marine and Welding programs as well as the main mechanical room to the stage and associated acoustical considerations for sound mitigation; public access and entry into the Automotive Technology program; estimated project costs, and anticipated ineligible costs, associated with variations to the MSBA space guidelines; current and anticipated energy costs, net-zero goals and participation in Mass Save; community outreach; and, consideration of the Project Schedule entering into Design Development. 

The following district presented on the progress of their proposed project at the March 25, 2026 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

District: Franklin County Regional Vocational Technical School District
School: Franklin County Technical High School
Phase: Schematic Design

Owner’s Project Manager: Colliers Project Leaders NE, LLC
Designer: LaVallee Brensinger Architects    

The Franklin County Regional Vocational Technical School District (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an update on the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Franklin County Technical High School with a new facility serving students in grades 9-12, on the site of the existing school. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following:

  • Refinement of the design and site development since approval of the District’s Preferred Schematic;
  • MESA/MEPA requirements and associated schedule considerations, including anticipated conditional approval of the District’s Project Scope and Budget and timeline for execution of a Project Funding Agreement;
  • Suggestion for sheltered access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; and,
  • Continued refinement of the entry plaza as the design progresses.

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the May 13, 2026 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

District: Manchester-Essex Regional School District
School: Essex Elementary School
Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Dore & Whittier Management Partners, Inc.  
Designer:  JCJ Architecture, PC

The Manchester-Essex Regional School District (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design to replace the existing Essex Elementary School with a new facility serving grades PreK-5 on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: appreciation for the Educational Program and the updates made since the original submission; distribution of special education spaces and the DESE review process following Schematic Design; integration of other subject areas with English/Language Arts and balancing programs to improve student engagement; appreciation for the outdoor spaces, their intended use and proposed activities; accessibility considerations for outdoor spaces and opportunities for community use, summer school programming and recreation; maintenance considerations associated with the proposed greenhouse; community outreach and support for the project among non-school affiliated voters; construction phasing considerations, including the choice of construction delivery method; further development of the site plan, specifically relating to site access and circulation at the car drop-off loop; further development of the landscape plan, specifically relating to hardscape versus greenspace and landscaping near the wetlands/walking path; massing of the academic wing; character of the entrance to the PreK classrooms; and current maintenance operations and the importance of including maintenance/facilities staff in planning for the proposed building.

District: Town of Chelmsford
School: Colonel Moses Parker Middle School
Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: LeftField, LLC
Designer: Ai3 Architects, LLC    

The Town of Chelmsford (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design to replace the existing Colonel Moses Parker Middle School with a new facility serving grades four through six on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: appreciation of the Educational Program and the updates made since the original submission; distribution of special education spaces and the DESE review process following Schematic Design; the importance of continued attention to user needs as the design progresses; the location of the art classrooms on the second floor relative to the stage and considerations associated with transporting materials for stage productions; the proposed TV Studio and opportunities to collaborate with or seek resources from local cable networks; the location of the proposed Student Art Gallery and opportunities to showcase student work in a central location while enhancing navigation and interior circulation; appreciation for the clarity of the floor plans, building layout and design elements that break down scale; the layout of the classroom neighborhoods and flexibility to organize grade levels by floor or by wing; clarification of the vestibule design and anticipated further development; appreciation of the central location of the Media Center and opportunities to further refine the upper loft areas; future determination of the construction delivery method and proposed location of geothermal wells; and, current maintenance operations and the importance of continued involvement from maintenance and facilities staff as the design moves forward.

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the May 20, 2026 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

District: City of Brockton
School: Brockton High School
Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: LeftField, LLC
Designer: Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc.

The City of Brockton (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design for an addition and renovation project at the Brockton High School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: appreciation of the Educational Program and the updates made since the original submission; distribution of special education spaces, clarification of substantially separate programs, and the DESE review process following Schematic Design; current and proposed Chapter 74/CTE programs and anticipated updates to the viability documentation previously reviewed by DESE; appreciation for the expansion of CTE programs; the proposed planetarium and associated learning opportunities; suggestion to collaborate with museums and other local organizations to develop additional non-CTE program offerings and potential career opportunities for students;  continued consideration of user needs in making design decisions as the project progresses; appreciation for the overall building design, organization, and architectural elements that serve to break down scale; building massing, clarification of double-height spaces and sectional connections as well as appreciation for the recognition of outdoor spaces; the student experience and opportunities to incorporate transparency and visibility into a variety of program areas; considerations for site development and construction logistics, including coordinating with adjacent community uses and proximity to the existing building; considerations associated with sustainable design and the energy profile of the proposed project; appreciation for the participation of the Director of Operations and Facilities at the meeting and early involvement in the proposed project; and suggestion to seek insight from MSBA’s Post Occupancy Evaluation team as well as other districts regarding design choices and long-term maintenance considerations.

District: Town of Leicester
School: Leicester High School
Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: TERVA Corporation
Designer: Raymond Design Associates, Inc.

The Town of Leicester (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design for an addition and renovation project at the Leicester High School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: distribution of the special education spaces, particularly in the Fuller building, and the DESE review process following Schematic Design; clarification of the use of the multiuse room in the Fuller building; appreciation of the Educational Program and the updates made since the District’s original submission, including the thorough description of CTE programs; opportunities and challenges associated with the campus, including circulation and security considerations; suggestion to seek additional resources to support infrastructure; parking and bus/parent pick up and drop off locations; opportunities for expansion  and non-Ch. 74 CTE programming; interest in the day in the life of student and understanding the experience of moving through the site; appreciation of efforts to create community and belonging while providing a quality education; construction logistics and sustainability considerations associated with adaptive reuse of existing buildings; site work related to the Borger addition; and consideration of long-term operational and maintenance costs and the importance of continued involvement from facilities staff as the project moves forward.

District: City of Marlborough
School: Richer Elementary School
Phase: Schematic Design

Owner’s Project Manager: The Vertex Companies, LLC.
Designer: Lamoureux Pagano Associates Architects, Inc.

The City of Marlborough (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an update on the progress of the Raymond C. Richer Elementary School project since submission of the District’s Preferred Schematic, providing an overview of the development, modifications and refinement of the overall building design and layout.

District Presentations 

The following district presented on the progress of their proposed project at the July 15, 2026 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

District: City of Medford 
School: Medford High School 
Phase: Feasibility Study 

Owner’s Project Manager: LeftField, LLC 
Designer: Symmes Maini & McKee Associates, Inc.  

The City of Medford (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design for an addition/renovation of the existing Medford High School for grades 9-12. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following:

  • Site topography, constraints and overall complexity of the Proposed Project;
  • Inclusion of specialized programming including substantially separate Special Education programs and clarification of proposed distribution and adjacencies;
  • DESE review of the Special Education submission following Schematic Design;
  • Appreciation for the District’s Educational Program and its goals of integrating CTE and additional program elements into a unified high school, as well as the updates made since the original submission;
  • Opportunity to use the proposed construction duration to maximize professional development, staff engagement and teacher planning time;
  • Suggestion to consider interdisciplinary learning opportunities, particularly for second-semester seniors to engage in seminars or exploratory projects;
  • Appreciation for the overall building design and organization, including the location of music spaces in relation to the existing gym, the main entry courtyard and smaller rear courtyards;
  • Opportunity to enhance the visibility of the auditorium entrance;
  • Interior circulation and vertical connectivity between the proposed Dining Commons and Media Center;
  • The view of the building upon approach and the proposed parking area;
  • Variations from MSBA space guidelines associated with proposed District administration and community spaces and considerations for the Schematic Design phase;
  • The proposed construction schedule and logistics as well as the importance of forecasting construction costs;
  • Potential locations of geothermal wells on the site;
  • Clarification of the location and number of proposed elevators; and,
  • Building geometry, orientation, and design considerations associated with preserving the building area proposed for renovation.

Staff Presentations: 

  • Staff presented on the following items at the July 15, 2026 Facilities Assessment Subcommittee meeting:
  • Schematic Design Updates
    • Blackstone-Millville, Blackstone-Millville Regional High School
    • Chicopee, Anna E. Barry Elementary School
  • Review of Core Project Funding Limits
  • 2026 Core Program Further Review Recommendations
  • Model School Procurement Update

Meeting Materials

Minutes

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the July 29, 2026 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

District: Town of Northborough
School: Marguerite E. Peaslee Elementary School
Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: PMA Consultants, LLC
Designer: Flansburgh Associates, Inc.  

The Town of Northborough (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design to replace the existing Marguerite E. Peaslee Elementary School with a new facility serving students in Kindergarten through grade 5, plus Pre-Kindergarten, on the site of the existing school. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following:

  • Appreciation of the District’s Educational Program and the updates made since the original submission;
  • Distribution of Special Education spaces and the DESE review process following Schematic Design;
  • Appreciation for the flexibility of the proposed general classrooms for multidisciplinary learning as well as the inclusion of professional librarian services, dedicated professional support and space for Digital Literacy and Computer Science instruction;
  • Potential opportunities for the design team to showcase sustainability elements such as energy and water use as design features and as part of community outreach for the Proposed Project;
  • The importance of continued input from faculty and staff as the design progresses;
  • Appreciation for the overall building design;
  • Building massing and scale;
  • Proposed parking locations; and,
  • Roof design considerations as it relates to architectural features as well as the location of mechanical equipment and photovoltaic panels.

District: Town of South Hadley
School: Mosier Elementary School
Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska USA Building. Inc.  

Designer: Mount Vernon Group Architects, Inc.  

The Town of South Hadley (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design to replace the existing Mosier Elementary School with a new facility serving grades 1 through 5 on the site of the existing school. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following:

  • The District’s Educational Program and previous feedback communicated as part of MSBA review of the Preliminary Design Program regarding proposed scheduling as it relates to the implementation of project-based learning, use of the proposed STE room, and proposed professional development opportunities;
  • Appreciation for the building design concept that incorporates entry into a large forecourt with two wings;
  • Suggestion to consider plantings and opportunities to extend green space between the building and proposed parking area;
  • Opportunity for transparency and visual connection from the building entry to the cafeteria; and,
  • Distribution and location of Special Education classrooms, particularly those proposed at the end of hallways in classroom neighborhoods, and the DESE review process associated with the Schematic Design submission.

District: Town of Needham
School: Pollard Middle School
Phase: Schematic Design

Owner’s Project Manager: Town of Needham
Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.  

The Town of Needham, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an update on the progress of the Pollard Middle School project since submission of the District’s Preferred Schematic, providing an overview of the development, modifications and refinement of the overall building design and layout. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following:

  • Appreciation for the thoughtful changes and refinements to the design since the submission of the District’s Preferred Schematic;
  • Reductions in the estimated project cost since the Preferred Schematic Report and the associated factors;
  • Considerations for the location of parking;
  • Refinements to the proposed entrance to the site and improvements to pedestrian experience;
  • Rationale for incorporating a purple roof as a construction add-alternate compared to the base scope of a green roof;
  • Importance of ongoing community outreach; and,
  • Construction phasing schedule and intentions.

Meeting Materials

Minutes

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the September 16, 2026 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

District: Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District
School: Dighton Elementary School
Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska USA Building, Inc.  
Designer: Arrowstreet, Inc.  

The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design to replace the existing Dighton Elementary School on the site between the existing Dighton Elementary School and the Dighton Middle School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following:

  • Appreciation of the District’s Educational Program and the updates made since the original submission;
  • The importance of continued input from faculty and staff who contributed to the Educational Program as the design progresses;
  • Appreciation for the thoughtful use of the existing greenhouse for program delivery and considerations for its potential relocation as part of the proposed project;
  • The distribution of Special Education spaces and the DESE review process during Schematic Design;
  • The location of the main entrance and visual connection to the central green;
  • Clarification of the proposed site circulation and consideration for opportunities to optimize the experience for parents, students and visitors and the location/approach to the entry plaza and main entrance;
  • Site constraints, access and circulation, and associated considerations during phased construction; and,
  • The importance of geotechnical investigations and suggestion to thoroughly examine the existing infrastructure on site to ensure coordination with geothermal well installation.

District: City of New Bedford
School: Charles S. Ashley Elementary School
Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: P-Three, Inc.  
Designer: Turowski2 Architecture, Inc.  

The City of New Bedford (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design for a project that proposes to consolidate the student population of the Charles S. Ashley Elementary School and Jireh Swift Elementary School and construct a new facility serving Kindergarten through grade 5, plus Pre-Kindergarten, on the site of the existing Charles S. Ashley Elementary School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following:

  • Appreciation of the thoroughness of the District’s Educational Program and inclusion of multilingual/multicultural learning opportunities at the elementary level;
  • The distribution of Special Education spaces, with particular attention to the main floor, and the DESE review process during Schematic Design;
  • Appreciation for the proposed layout;
  • The massing and scale of the building in relationship to the residential neighborhood and as it relates to lower elementary grades;
  • Design strategies and opportunities to further refine scale as the design progresses;
  • Appreciation for the continuity between the adjacent park and the proposed courtyard;
  • Site topography and how the fields and playgrounds will nestle into the site;
  • Site access and circulation; and,
  • Consideration of current supply chain conditions as it relates to the construction schedule and use of Design/Bid/Build construction delivery method.

Staff Presentations:

Staff presented on the following items at the September 16, 2026 Facilities Assessment Subcommittee meeting:

  • Schematic Design Updates
    • Swansea, Joseph Case Junior High School
  • Annual Cap Reconciliation Update
  • Model School Procurement Update

Meeting Materials

Minutes (will be posted once approved by the Facilities Assessment Subcommittee)

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the September 30, 2026 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

District: City of Somerville
School: Winter Hill Community School
Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: PMA Consultants, LLC
Designer: Perkins Eastman  

The City of Somerville (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design for a project that proposes to consolidate the student population of the Winter Hill Community School and Benjamin G. Brown Elementary School and construct a new facility serving Kindergarten though grade 8, plus Pre-Kindergarten, on the site of the existing Winter Hill Community School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following:

  • Appreciation of the thoroughness of the District’s Educational Program, especially regarding the diversity in programming to meet the needs of various learners;
  • Scheduling considerations, specifically the complexity of offerings;
  • The distribution of Special Education spaces and the DESE review process during Schematic Design;
  • Opportunities for after school programs and accessibility for all families;
  • Clarity on the various entry points throughout the building;
  • Site constraints and topography and associated massing and elevation considerations;
  • The importance of plans for the maintenance of the rooftop and outdoor spaces;
  • Ongoing cost considerations; and,
  • Appreciation for the focus on incorporating daylight throughout the building as the design progresses.

District: City of Springfield
School: German Gerena Community School
Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska USA Building, Inc.
Designer: DiNisco Design, Inc.

The City of Springfield (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design to replace the existing German Gerena Community School with a new facility on the Chestnut Street site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following:

  • Appreciation of the District’s Educational Program and accompanying revisions, specifically regarding comprehensive professional development for non-teaching staff, the inclusion and use of the Planetarium, use of the Media Center, and dual-language programs;
  • The distribution of Special Education spaces and the DESE review process during Schematic Design;
  • Potential to include a spring floor for the dedicated dance classroom;
  • Consideration of incorporating Science and Social Studies as part of the allotted instructional time for English Language Arts;
  • Benefits of looping for young learners;
  • Appreciation of the overall design and massing;
  • Suggestion to refine visual aids for community outreach;
  • Use of sectional relationships within the proposed building; and,
  • Stormwater management and drainage on site.

District: Town of Leicester
School: Leicester High School
Phase: Schematic Design

Owner’s Project Manager: TERVA Corporation
Designer: Raymond Design Associates, Inc.  

The Town of Leicester, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an update on the progress of the Leicester High School project since submission of the District’s Preferred Schematic, providing an overview of the development, modifications and refinement of the overall building design and layout. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following:

  • Clarification of the four buildings included within the scope of the MSBA project
  • The District’s future plans for the Winslow Building and Gymnasium, including any potential minor improvements, use as swing space during construction, introduction of future Chapter 74 programs, and the relocation of the Chapter 74 Early Education and Care Program from the Winslow building to the Swan building;
  • The anticipated DESE review of Special Education spaces;
  • Impact on operational costs of managing multiple buildings;
  • Renovation and partnership plans at the Fuller building; and,
  • Accessibility at the Swan building, including the recommendation to consider a canopy.

Staff Presentations:

Staff presented on the following item at the September 30, 2026 Facilities Assessment Subcommittee meeting:

  • Space Summary Phase 3 Preview

Meeting Materials
Minutes (will be posted once approved by the Facilities Assessment Subcommittee)