The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the July 21, 2021 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Norwood
Dr. Philip O. Coakley Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study 

Owner’s Project Manager: Compass Project Management Inc.
Designer: Ai3 Architects LLC 

The Town of Norwood (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 to replace the Dr. Philip O. Coakley Middle School with a new facility serving students in grades 5-8 on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: appreciation of the Educational Program and consideration of proposed changes to the District’s grade configuration; further development of the proposed floor plans; distribution of Special Education spaces and continued development of fully accessible spaces; the relationship between academic neighborhoods and student common areas; the location and adjacency of the art rooms to the auditorium; the location and use of two kitchen and dining areas; consideration of the number of sinks in the fifth grade classrooms to support project based learning; the building’s connection to outdoor spaces; the character and scale of the building from the street and upon approach; the site circulation and access to the building; the relationship to conservation property; and, the proposed sustainability goals.

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

Town of Tyngsborough
Tyngsborough Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Leftfield, LLC
Designer: JCJ Architecture 

The Town of Tyngsborough(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 Tyngsborough Middle School with a new facility serving grades 6-8 on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: appreciation of the District’s educational program; distribution of Special Education spaces; transition from public spaces to academic wings; proposed building orientation and associated site constraints; connections to the existing high school and transition from the building to the outdoor spaces; opportunities for outdoor learning; accessibility of outdoor learning spaces for individuals with hearing, visual, and physical impairments; shelter and access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; and internet access for all students both in school and at home.

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

Town of Webster
Bartlett High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Colliers Project Leaders NE, LLC
Designer: Flansburgh Associates, Inc. 

The Town of Webster (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 for a renovation project at the existing Bartlett High School that will continue to serve students in grades 9-12 and will incorporate district-wide pre-kindergarten. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: appreciation of the reuse of the building, the landscape design and the preservation of existing natural site features, and the innovative Educational Program; importance of a professional development plan to encourage teacher collaboration; consideration of the adjacency of social studies and English classrooms near science classrooms to encourage interdisciplinary work; review of the distribution of Special Education Spaces; location and the arrival experience of the Pre-K entrance; the building’s location on the site and flexible outdoor spaces; consideration for maintenance of the outdoor learning space; the continued development of the building’s massing and the constraints of existing structural system; aesthetic features of the building’s covered entryways; and the site development plan and the proposed relocation of the existing main vehicular path away from the proposed building.

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

The following district presented an update on their proposed project at the June 2, 2021 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Swampscott
Hadley Elementary School
Current Phase: Schematic Design

Owner’s Project Manager: Hill International, Inc.
Designer: LaVallee Brensinger Architects

The Town of Swampscott (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an update of the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Hadley Elementary School, Clarke Elementary School, and Stanley Elementary School with a new district-wide grades K-4 facility on the site of the existing Stanley Elementary School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: site circulation; handicap access to the building; maintenance of proposed traffic and pedestrian access; consideration to extend the main entry canopy; the local fire department’s review for building access; the proposed project timeline; and, the District’s response to community correspondence.

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 May 19, 2021 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

City of Westfield
Franklin Avenue Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: P-Three, Inc.
Designer: CBA Architects

The City of Westfield (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 Franklin Avenue Elementary School and the existing Abner Gibbs Elementary School on the site of the existing Franklin Avenue Elementary School, contingent upon the District gaining full ownership, control, and exclusive use of the proposed site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: site circulation; appreciation for the separation of the parking from the main entrance; clarification of the massing; the building’s civic presence and character of the school on Franklin Street; appreciation for the educational program; consideration for environmental concerns related to flooding associated with the nearby river and permeability of hard and softscapes; access to the building and outdoor play spaces for individuals with limited mobility; outdoor learning spaces; the location and means of egress relating to the maker spaces/STEAM rooms; appreciation of dedication to a licensed librarian in the Library/ Media Center; number of sinks in each classroom; consideration for flexible or retractable walls in adjoining classrooms; appreciation of the kiln room redesign to address potential chemical safety concerns; appreciation for the distribution of Special Education spaces; and, clarification regarding the design of the small group rooms.

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 districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the March 24, 2021 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Randolph
Elizabeth G. Lyons Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: CHA Companies
Designer: TSKP Studios

The Town of Randolph (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 Elizabeth G. Lyons Elementary School on the existing Devine Elementary School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) The importance of plans for professional development as it relates to the proposed changes to teaching methodology; 2) Appreciation of the Educational Program; 3) Location and distribution of Special Education classrooms, and requirement of upcoming Special Education review by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; 4) Number of sinks in each classroom; 5) Amount of site dedicated to parking and location of parking relative to the building; 6) Shelter and access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; 7) Aesthetic features of the building; particularly the glazing on the gym; 8) Understanding students and their differing communication needs and styles; and 9) Consideration for a looping teaching method with grade levels to foster consistency.

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

Town of Walpole
Bird Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Compass Project Management, Inc.
Designer: Tappe Architects, Inc.

The Town of Walpole (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 Bird Middle School and Elanor Johnson Middle School with a new district-wide grades 6-8 facility on the existing Bird Middle School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) Appreciation of the District’s Educational Program and the building layout and organization; 2) Appreciation of the transition from public spaces to the academic neighborhoods; 3) Further development of the proposed site plan and connections to the building; 4) Further development of outdoor learning areas; 5) Location of the art room relative to the auditorium for set design and transport purposes; 6) Location and distribution of Special Education classrooms, and requirement of upcoming Special Education review by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; 7) Insistence of incorporating a Central Chemical Storage Area as part of the project even as the current Educational Program limits the amount of chemicals that will be used; 8) Clarification of the world language and exploratory language programs; 9) Shelter and access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; and 10) Proposed number of parking spaces.

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

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the March 10, 2021 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Greater Fall River Vocational School District
Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Colliers Project Leaders NE, LLC
Designer: Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc

The Greater Fall River Vocational 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 replace the existing Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) Importance of a robust professional development plan and thoughtful schedule to encourage teacher collaboration across CTE and Academic programs; 2) Further development of the design to better reflect programmatic vertical connectivity; 3) Importance of completing an updated Chapter 74 Viability form to reflect programming and aid in the DESE approvals process; 4) Importance of incorporating lessons learned from the consultants’ previous Chapter 74 projects; 5) The location and adjacencies of the auditorium; 6) Distribution and intension of Special Education Spaces on the second floor; and, 7) The building’s location on the site.

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

City of Peabody
William A. Welch Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

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

The City of Peabody (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 for an addition and renovation project at the William A. Welch Elementary School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) Appreciation and support of a renovation project that is cost effective; 2) Sustainable reuse of the existing building; 3) Appreciation of the District’s approach to equity; 4) District’s project cost; 5) Clarification of trauma services; 6) Further consideration of the location and intension of Special Education spaces; 7) Consideration of developing a student and parent led world language program; 8) Clarification of shared art and music spaces, size, and schedule; 9) Encouraged expansion of the District’s art and music programs, providing space; within the Welch School for potential summer and after-school programming; 10) The building’s air conditioning plans to encourage year-round programming; and, 11) The District’s intent to include two sinks in the classrooms.

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

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the January 20, 2021 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Bristol-Plymouth Regional Vocational Technical School District
Bristol-Plymouth Regional Vocational Technical High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: PMA Consultants, LLC
Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.

The Bristol-Plymouth 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 replace the existing Bristol-Plymouth Regional Vocational Technical High School with a new facility on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation for the educational program; 2) the connection between the educational program and proposed organization of academic spaces, including spatial relation of the Media Center to the academic classrooms, and Science Labs to the vocational spaces and academic classrooms; 3) use and maintenance of the proposed courtyard; 4) further refinement of floor plans, Media Center/ hub of the building; 5) the adjacency of vocational spaces and academic classrooms; 6) use and maintenance of the proposed project areas; 7) media Center staffing; 8) the building’s clear organization strategy; 9) further refinement of the western facing outdoor roof area and garden to mitigate impact from direct sun exposure; 10) the area in front of the auditorium; 11) appreciation for healthy landscape zone around the building; and, 12) further development of the building’s massing and form.

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

Town of Stoneham
Stoneham High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Symmes, Maini & McKee Associates, Inc.
Designer: Perkins + Will

The Town of Stoneham (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 Stoneham High School with a new facility on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the location of the gymnasium and auditorium, and their relation to the academic neighborhoods; 2) utilization rate of the gymnasium; 3) transparency of the gymnasium through the use of glass; 4) appreciation of the Educational Program; 5) review of the distribution of Special Education spaces; 6) staffing related to the Library/ Media Center; 7) appreciation of separated parking locations and green space; 8) building organization and circulation, with focus on long corridors and tighter corners; 9) program differences between Physical Education and Athletics offerings; 10) inclusion of the town-wide Pre-K program, focusing on transition from Pre-K to K; and; 11) the location of the art room in relation to the auditorium.

The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) the calculated daily utilization rate of the gymnasium and a schedule for the gymnasium’s use; 2) clarification of the Universal Design approach for each entry/exit; 3) a comparison of the floor plans from the Preferred Schematic and the January 20, 2021 FAS presentation.

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

Town of Medfield
Dale Street Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

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

The Town of Medfield (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 construct a new elementary school facility on the Wheelock Elementary School site to replace the existing Dale Street Elementary School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the academic organization of the proposed building; 2) site circulation; 3) appreciation of the Educational Program; 4) the inclusion and location of outdoor learning spaces; 5) appreciation of the Main Street concept; and; 6) appreciation of a campus approach.

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

The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the January 13, 2021 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

City of Boston
William E. Carter School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Hill International Company
Designer: Perkins + Will

The City of Boston (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 William E. Carter School with a new facility on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation for the updated educational plan and quick turnaround with responses to questions raised during the November 18, 2020 informational FAS meeting; 2) the engaging and collaborative process undertaken in this project; 3) preliminary evacuation plans; 4) potential uses of the therapy pool and differentiated gym space; 5) opportunities to review the proposed project with Boston’s Disabilities Commission; 6) building orientation; 7) how the large circular corridor on the second floor supports mobility training; and, 8) the flexibility of the building design once occupied.

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

Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational Technical School District
Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

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

The Northeast Metro 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 replace the existing Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School with a new facility on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the location of the new school building in relation to the site and its consideration for traffic; 2) parking locations, green space, and proximity to the Breakheart Reservation; 3) appreciation for the distribution of Special Education spaces; 4) further refinement of the roadways on the site plan; 5) appreciation for the Educational Program; 6) appreciation for the District’s consideration of non-AP elective alternatives; 7) OSHA standards in the shop classrooms; 8) consideration to further professional development of staff; 9) use of the gymnasium and its associated curriculum/schedule; 10) consideration for site drainage; and, 11) location of the Pre-K playground and its proximity to the auto shop storage yard.

The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) parking locations, green space, and proximity to Breakheart Reservation; 2) use of the gymnasium and its associated curriculum/schedule; 3) consideration for site drainage; and, 4) location of the Pre-K playground and its proximity to the auto shop storage yard.

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

Town of Watertown
Watertown High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Compass Project Management, Inc.
Designer: Ai3 Architects LLC

The Town of Watertown (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 Watertown High School on the existing high school and Philips Administration Building sites. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the challenging nature and complexity of the project; 2) the District’s proposal for two buildings on two sites connected by a pedestrian bridge; 3) the design intent and clarification of a campus vs. non-campus approach; 4) the proposed massing and opportunities for simplification; 5) low building utilization; 6) incorporating universal design including accessible entrances to both buildings; 7) a day in the life of a student and how they would travel through the buildings on a typical school day; 8) the proposed layout and whether it meets the needs of the District’s educational program; 9) the District’s desire to include public spaces and parking, and what the removal of those spaces could mean for improving the design of the school; 10) options that maximize school building program on the existing site; 11) the potential impact of ineligible spaces on the MSBA’s grant; 12) local financing and community support; and, 13) cost of the proposed project and the calculated impact to taxpayers.

The FAS requested additional information regarding the District’s project schedule.

MSBA staff are currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution.