The following district presented on the progress of their proposed project at the January 17, 2024 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Burlington
Fox Hill Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Dore & Whittier Management Partners, Inc.
Designer: DiNisco Design, Inc. 

The Town of Burlington (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 as part of its Invitation to Feasibility Study. This is to replace the existing Fox Hill Elementary School with a new facility serving kindergarten through grade 5 on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: appreciation for the District’s Educational Program, including the incorporation of professional development, participation in the LABBB Collaborative, use of tutors and integration of reading with math and science curricula; distribution of Special Education spaces and DESE submittal process; proposed location of handicap parking and sheltered access to the building for individuals with limited mobility at the main entrance, gymnasium and bus drop-off area; plans for phased construction on site while the existing facility remains in use; location of proposed outdoor play areas and access to the building for emergency vehicles; suggestion for considering buffer zones between neighborhood schools; potential opportunities to introduce world language program at elementary level; the view of the building from the street and upon approach; orientation of the gymnasium; appreciation of the simple and efficient building layout; and, opportunities to utilize wetlands and vernal pool for outdoor learning and further develop indoor/outdoor connections as the design progresses.

MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.

The following district presented on the progress of their proposed project at the January 31, 2024 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

City of Quincy
Squantum Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: PCA360, LLC
Designer: Arrowstreet, Inc.   

The City of Quincy (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 Squantum Elementary School serving students in kindergarten through grade 5 on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: appreciation for the District’s educational program; opportunities to include elements of world language instruction as part of day to day curriculum; considerations associated with courtyard maintenance and opportunities for outdoor learning; sheltered access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; providing all students with equal access to musical instruments and technology; variations to MSBA space guidelines; the historic significance of the existing 1919 building; architectural features of the historic 1919 façade and opportunities to further distinguish the main entrance; development of the overall building massing as the design progresses; site circulation and topography; sustainability considerations for achieving net-zero goals;  the proposed location of geothermal wells on the adjacent parkland subject to Article 97; incorporation of a resiliency hub for short term community use in the event of severe weather; project cost and associated cost drivers; and, location of the proposed mechanical room below grade.

MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.

The following district presented on the progress of their proposed project at the March 13, 2024 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Canton
William H. Galvin Middle School
Phase: Feasibility Study

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

The Town of Canton (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 William H. Galvin Middle School with a new facility serving grades 5-8 on the site of the existing school. MSBA staff has reviewed the Feasibility Study and accepts the District’s Preferred Schematic. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: appreciation of the District’s Educational Program, including professional learning opportunities, inclusion of world language as a core subject area, drama programming and the opt-in/opt-out advanced math curriculum; clarification of library/media center staffing and opportunities to integrate world language programming at lower grade levels; distribution of Special Education spaces and DESE submittal process; further development of the 5th grade wing; opportunities to furnish and equip collaboration spaces; use of the proposed auditorium and potential design considerations for more intimate performances; building massing and opportunities to simplify the design as it progresses; civic presence of the proposed building and opportunities to further define the main entry; site constraints, topography and vegetation; locations of proposed parking areas and access; and, community outreach strategies, including virtual polling.

The following district presented on the progress of their proposed project at the March 27, 2024 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

South Shore Regional Vocational Technical School District
South Shore Regional Technical High School
Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Leftfield, LLC
Designer: Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc.

The South Shore Regional Vocational Technical 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 South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School with a new facility to be located on the site of the existing school. MSBA staff has reviewed the Feasibility Study and accepts the District’s Preferred Schematic. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: Appreciation of the stated goals in the District’s educational program and the recommendation to further detail program specifics and incorporation of professional development for new curriculum areas ahead of implementation; planning and preparation required for expanding vocational programming; opportunities for integration of Vocational Technical programs with academic programs and spaces; size, spacing, and use of vocational shops, including maximizing wall space for student workstations and use of overhead doors; description of the two new Chapter 74 Programs (Veterinary Science & Plumbing); opportunities to centrally locate science labs; organization of the building and relationship between program areas; further development of the main stairway to the second floor; interior circulation of students and access for members of the public; appreciation of the compact footprint due to site constraints; importance of ongoing outreach and communication with local member communities; distribution of Special Education spaces and DESE submittal process; engagement of students and teachers both vocationally and academically in all phases of the design and construction of the new building, particularly ways to involve academic teachers and encourage student activities; and, opportunities for site development for outdoor learning.

The following district presented on the progress of their proposed project at the May 14, 2024 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Dedham
Oakdale Elementary School
Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: The Vertex Companies, LLC
Designer: Jonathan Levi Architects

The Town of Dedham (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 Oakdale Elementary School with a new facility serving grades 1 – 5 on the site of the existing school. MSBA staff has reviewed the Feasibility Study and accepts the District’s Preferred Schematic. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: appreciation of the updates to the Educational Program; location of special education spaces and the DESE review process; the importance of resource allocation for professional development; use and location of the proposed gymnatorium; considerations associated with transporting materials and instruments from the art, music, and maker spaces on the second floor to the gymnatorium for performances; student collaboration and envisioned use of the proposed cohort commons; opportunities to develop indoor/outdoor connections and include an outdoor classroom as the design progresses; appreciation of the District’s Physical Education program; importance of the continued input from educators as the design develops; further development of the proposed site plan including demolition of the existing 1902 facility; inclusion of smaller scale design elements such as bay windows for young learners; sheltered access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; coordination with local officials as it relates to site circulation and emergency access; importance of planning for long-term maintenance including staffing, selection of systems, and building materials; community outreach and engagement; and building geometry and considerations associated with construction costs and opportunities to further understand potential cost drivers.

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed project at the May 22, 2024, Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Berkley
Berkely Community School
Phase: Schematic Design 

OPM: PMA Consultants, LLC
Designer: Taylor & Burns, Inc.

The Town of Berkley, the Owner’s Project Manager, and the design team presented an update on the District’s Schematic Design for the Berkley Community School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: presentation of updates on the project budget since approval of the District’s Preferred Schematic; overall progress of the design as a result of further development; incorporation and proposed use of the extended learning areas; appreciation for the District’s educational program goals; potential use of the building and opportunities for additional community outreach and engagement; engaging students in learning opportunities regarding the building design and construction; stormwater management; appreciation of indoor/outdoor connections; understanding of the District’s sustainability goals; value engineering efforts and opportunities; and considerations associated with long-term maintenance, including selection of building materials and finishes.

City of North Adams
Greylock Elementary School
Phase: Schematic Design 

OPM: Colliers Project Leaders USA NE, LLC
Designer: TSKP Studio

The City of North Adams, the Owner’s Project Manager, and the design team presented an update on the District’s Schematic Design for the Greylock Elementary School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: presentation of updates on the project budget and community outreach since approval of the District’s Preferred Schematic; further development of the design to include cost effective solutions while making design improvements; discussion regarding building systems and continued use of fossil fuels; value engineering efforts; and considerations associated with long-term maintenance, including selection of building materials and finishes.

The following district presented on the progress of their proposed project at the July 31, 2024, Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District
Cutler Elementary School
Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: PMA Consultants  
Designer: JCJ Architecture  

The Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and the 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 Cutler Elementary School with a new facility serving 740 students in grades 1 – 5 on the site of the existing school. MSBA staff has reviewed the Feasibility Study and accepts the District’s Preferred Schematic. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: appreciation of the District’s thoughtful Educational Program and responses to MSBA comments; the importance of professional development and opportunities to implement proposed changes to teaching methodology in preparation for the transition to a new facility; importance of continued input from educators and facilities staff as the design develops; distribution of Special Education spaces and DESE submittal process; site constraints and associated considerations including incorporation of geothermal wells, constructability, phasing, permitting and potential schedule impacts; location of proposed outdoor learning areas and intended use of the roof terrace; the project team’s experience with geothermal systems including providing life cycle cost analysis; available information, resources, and tax credits associated with geothermal systems; considerations associated with consolidation of elementary schools including maintaining small neighborhood scale, sharing resources and school culture; civic presence and view of the proposed building upon approach; building massing and site drainage; indoor/outdoor connections and placement of windows and doors where sight lines may be impacted by site topography; access to outdoor spaces for students with limited mobility; and sound assistance and providing shading for outdoor play areas.

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the September 11, 2024 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Reading
J. Warren Killam Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study 

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

The Town of Reading (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 J. Warren Killam Elementary School with a new facility serving 455 students in grades K-5 as well as Pre-K.  The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: appreciation of the Educational Program and opportunities to use it as a comprehensive resource for future reference; distribution of special education spaces and DESE review process; suggestion to consider a moveable partition between two classrooms in each grade level neighborhood for additional flexibility; appreciation for the building layout and compact footprint; separation of the Pre-K RISE Program and opportunities to develop landscaping in the associated outdoor play area; accessibility and opportunities for input from a local commission on disabilities, if available; traffic study considerations and site circulation; proposed parking spaces and locations as well as opportunities to reduce parking and increase green space if possible; site constraints, building massing, and orientation; the view of the building upon approach and consideration of materials to further define the main entry; and project schedule considerations, including permitting requirements, review of geothermal wells, potential use of early packages, duration of construction and demolition as well as logistics associated with a Fall move-in date.

City of Leominster
Fall Brook Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study  

Owner’s Project Manager: Leftfield, LLC
Designer: Miller Dyer Spears Inc.

The City of Leominster (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 Fall Brook Elementary School with a new facility serving 610 students in grades K-5. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: appreciation of the ideas and goals expressed in the Educational Program; the importance of professional development for staff in preparation for the transition to a new facility; distribution of special education spaces and DESE review process; continued operation of the existing facility during construction; site constraints and associated design considerations for building geometry and orientation; further development of the building massing; appreciation for the separation of the academic areas from public spaces; further refinement of the design and clarification of the envisioned character of the building; intentional development of indoor/outdoor connections as the design progresses; emergency access to the building; resiliency considerations; and potential schedule impacts associated with regulatory and stretch code requirements as well as enabling packages and permitting.

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the September 25, 2024 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting

Town of Longmeadow
Glenbrook Middle School
Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Colliers Project Leaders NE, LLC
Designer: Jones Whitsett Architects, Inc.

The Town of Longmeadow (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 consolidate the student population of the existing Glenbrook and Williams Middle Schools and construct a new facility serving 665 students in grades 6-8 on the existing Williams Middle School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: appreciation of the District’s thoughtful Educational Program; importance of continued input from educators, administrators and other staff as the design develops; accessibility considerations for outdoor learning spaces; assignment procedures for guidance and adjustment counselors; the proposed auditorium as it relates to community use and middle school theater productions; drop-off area and sheltered access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; indoor/outdoor connections, location of the proposed fire lane, and use of the proposed outdoor learning areas; consideration of geothermal wells and possible locations on the site; incorporation of lessons learned from existing middle and high school facilities in the proposed design; considerations associated with the proposed consolidation; design concepts centered on middle school students including interdisciplinary neighborhoods and opportunities for supervised independence; and view of the proposed building upon approach and further development of the scale and massing.

Town of Southborough
Margaret A. Neary Elementary School
Phase: Feasibility Study  

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

The Town of Southborough (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 consolidate the student population of the existing Margaret A. Neary and Woodward Elementary Schools and construct a new facility serving 610 students in grades 2-5 on the site of the existing Margaret A. Neary Elementary School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: appreciation for the District’s thoughtful consideration of grade configuration in an effort to reinforce educational goals and minimize transitions for young learners; importance of continued input from teachers, administrators and other staff as the design develops; appreciation for the World Language program and suggestion to incorporate flexible furnishings in the associated classroom to allow for varied activities; accessibility considerations for outdoor spaces and play areas; careful selection of soft flooring materials as the design is further developed; site drainage and permitting considerations; sustainability goals and consideration of geothermal wells; clarification of site constraints and buildable area; existing emergency access road and proximity to the adjacent middle school;  proposed parking area locations as well as opportunities to reduce parking and increase green space if possible; and appreciation for the logical design and building organization.

The following district presented on the progress of their proposed project at the Novermber 6, 2024 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of North Attleborough
North Attleborough High School
Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: The Vertex Companies, LLC
Designer: Dore + Whittier Architects, Inc.

The Town of North Attleborough (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 replace the existing North Attleborough High School with a new facility on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: appreciation of the Educational Program and the District’s commitment to multidisciplinary, investigative, and project-based learning; the distribution of special education spaces and the DESE review process; the proposed layout and utilization of the Dining Commons, including proposed lunch scheduling; location of the proposed Environmental Engineering Program Classroom and opportunities to access the courtyards; suggestion to incorporate biosafety cabinets in Science classrooms, if applicable; opportunity to create more unique learning opportunities for second semester seniors; suggestion to make the auditorium versatile and able to accommodate smaller productions; indoor/outdoor connections, particularly between the programs adjacent to the courtyards; consideration of the site holistically in connection to the adjacent middle school and campus concept; opportunities to signify the main entrance to create a sense of arrival; and, the definition of the architectural character of the building as the design progresses.

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the November 13, 2024 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Wilmington
Wildwood Elementary School
Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Symmes Maini & McKee Associates (SMMA), Inc.
Designer: Dore + Whittier Architects, Inc.

The Town of Wilmington (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 consolidate the Wildwood Elementary School, Woburn Street Elementary School, and North Intermediate School, and construct a new facility serving 755 students in grades K-5, plus pre-Kindergarten, on the site of the existing North Intermediate School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: the importance of professional development for staff in preparation for the transition to a new facility; appreciation for the goals expressed in the District’s Educational Program; benefits of providing a minimum of two sinks in each general classroom to facilitate project-based learning and STE exploration; distribution of special education spaces and DESE review process; further development of the building massing and envisioned character as the design progresses; further refinement of outdoor spaces; consideration of adjacencies of spaces and intention of design; location of the proposed instrumental music room; proposed location of electrical and storage closets within the academic corridors; consideration of approach to main entrance access; estimated project cost; potential schedule impacts associated with the project delivery method, regulatory and stretch code requirements, as well as enabling packages and permitting associated with a potential geothermal system; and, communication and collaboration with Town utilities to confirm capacity for a potential all electric building.

City of Leominster
Fall Brook Elementary School
Phase: Schematic Design 

Owner’s Project Manager: Leftfield, LLC.
Designer: Miller Dyer Spears

The City of Leominster (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an update on the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Fall Brook Elementary School on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: opportunities to increase visibility and supervision in the proposed project areas; confirmation of the inclusion of two sinks in general classrooms; appreciation for the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces; emergency vehicle access; and, appreciation for the building massing and vernacular approach.

Town of Southborough
Margaret A. Neary Elementary School
Phase: Schematic Design 

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

The Town of Southborough (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an update on the District’s preferred solution to consolidate the student population of the existing Margaret A. Neary Elementary and Albert S. Woodword Memorial Schools and construct a new facility serving grades 2-5 on the site of the existing Margaret A. Neary Elementary School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: appreciation for the improved creation of green space and program adjacencies, all within a compact building envelope; site constraints and resiliency considerations associated with flood plains and storm water management; the proposed project schedule; distribution of special education spaces and the DESE review process; and, clarification on staffing and licensure for the library/media center in the new building.