The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the October 29, 2014 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Brookline
Edward Devotion Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

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

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented its overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to replace the majority of the existing Edward Devotion School with a large addition that will be attached to the visible portion of the 1913 building, which portion will be renovated.  The FAS and staff members discussed: 1) the ineligible multipurpose room and parking garage; 2) the 880 net square footage (“nsf”) of academic classrooms and associated project areas; 3) MSBA cost funding limitations regarding site and building costs; 4) ineligible costs that arise out of the relocation of students; 5) adjacencies of programmed spaces relative to the grouping of grade cohorts; 6) spaces for Pre-K students; 7) internal circulation and the number of elevators in the building; 8) history of the site and sub-surface conditions; 9) the community’s interest in retaining the 1913 building; 10) planned use of the proposed media center; and, 11) the wireless capabilities of the proposed building.  Staff and members of the FAS raised concerns regarding: 1) the increase in the size of the large gymnasium from 6,000 to 7,000 nsf, which exceeds the MSBA guidelines; 2) the location of art classrooms relative to the quality of available natural light; 3) the location of music classrooms relative to the proposed multipurpose space; 4) student relocations to accommodate construction; and, 5) ineligible costs that will increase the District’s share of the Total Project Costs.

The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) the District’s selection of “Option 1” as its preferred solution over “Options 2, 3, and 3A,” and the additional benefits that the District believes will be realized by its choice of “Option 1;” 2) discrepancies between some of the adjacencies in the educational program versus the conceptual layout of the proposed solution; and, 3) an estimate of the total projected cost for completing “Option 1” and the District’s estimate of its share of that cost. Staff also requested updated conceptual layouts that address adjacency issues discussed regarding:  performance space; music, art, and science; locations for book storage; small group rooms (coaching); and spaces available for use by the school’s after-school program.

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 Woburn
Wyman Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Municipal Building Consultants, Inc.
Designer: DiNisco Design Partnership, Ltd.

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented its overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Wyman Elementary School and the existing Daniel P. Hurld Elementary School with a new K-5 facility on an alternative site. The FAS and staff members discussed: 1) travel distance from handicapped parking to the facility; 2) distance from the drop off area to the main entrance; 3) the importance of continued development of the design to resolve existing groundwater/water-table concerns; 4) the District’s scheduling of enrichment programs; 5) the potential for natural lighting of the proposed art classroom; 5) potential benefits of reclassifying the health/science classroom as a project room; and, 6) consideration for sink installations in classrooms to better accommodate classroom science experimentation.

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 projects at the September 10, 2014 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

City of Pittsfield
Taconic High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska USA Buildings, Inc.
Designer: Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc.

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 of a new Taconic High School on the existing site. At the meeting, the FAS and MSBA staff inquired about the following items: 1) the flexibility of Career/Vocational Technical Education (“CVTE”) spaces and programs; 2) the overall educational program for both the CVTE and academic  programs; 3) the integration of delivery of CVTE and academic  programming; 4) the professional development for administration; 5) broad-based educational opportunities that afford students transferable skills in 21st century jobs; 6) enrollment history and recent trends in CVTE student participation; 7) the higher cost of the District’s preferred option; 8) the organization of spaces and proposed adjacencies; 9) the District’s intentions for potential future expansion of the preferred option; 10) the District’s redistricting intentions; and, 11) the District’s associated partnerships with private industries and local colleges.

The FAS requested that the District provide an updated educational program and clarification of how the District’s preferred option is the most cost-effective and educationally sound option.

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 July 9, 2014 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Brookline
Edward Devotion School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

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

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented a brief overview of existing conditions, the options studied during the Preliminary Evaluation of Alternatives, and how the proposed multipurpose space enhances delivery of the District’s educational program.  At the meeting, the FAS inquired about the following items: 1) the level of detail contained in the District’s Educational Program, 2) enrollment, 3) impact the proposed multipurpose space has on the building footprint, and 4) control of the site.  MSBA staff also inquired about the intended use and utilization of the proposed multipurpose space.

The FAS and MSBA staff requested that the District provide additional information on the scheduling and use of the proposed space during scheduled school hours.

City of Boston
Josiah Quincy Upper School/Boston Arts Academy
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

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

The City presented its updated project to the FAS.  At the meeting, members of the FAS inquired about the following: 1) the cost associated with building on the proposed site; 2) the value of the proposed site; 3) local support for the project; 4) the long term lease proposed for the site; 5) the grossing factor of the proposed school; 6) how the cost of the proposed co-located solution compares to the cost of building two schools separately; and, 7) the impact the proposed project will have on the quality of life in the neighborhood.

The FAS requested that the City: 1) identify project costs related to use of the proposed site (Parcel 25); 2) report the value of Parcel 25; 3) confirm local support for the updated project; 4) consider how harmful chemicals associated with the Arts curriculum are to be handled and stored in their design; and, 5) compare the cost of the proposed project to the cost of building these two schools separately.  MSBA staff is currently working with the City to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.

City of Worcester
Nelson Place School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Tishman Construction
Designer: Lamoureux Pagano & Associates, Inc.

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 of a new Nelson Place Elementary School on the existing site. At the meeting, the FAS and MSBA staff inquired about the following items: 1) defined Special Education program and spaces; 2) location and control of the Pre-K program; 3) use and maintenance of the proposed greenhouse and possible alternatives; 4) potential for transition into 1-to-1 technology versus dedicated computer labs; 5) potential for integrating the science curriculum in each classroom versus dedicated science classrooms; 6) level of detail contained in the Preferred Schematic floor plans provided in the District’s Preferred Schematic Report; and, 7) access and control of the proposed site.

The FAS requested that the District further refine its Preferred Schematic floor plans in a supplement to the Preferred Schematic Report and submit a timeline which outlines the City’s schedule for gaining full access, control and use of the proposed site. 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 June 25, 2014 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

The Town of Westborough
Sarah W. Gibbons Middle School

Owner’s Project Manager: HEERY International Inc.
Designer: Habeeb & Associates Architects

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 Sarah W. Gibbons Middle School. The FAS and MSBA staff inquired about the following items: 1) opportunities to further improve site circulation; 2) the District’s Phasing plan; and, 3) opportunities to further demonstrate security features in the Administration area.

The FAS requested that the District submit their phasing plan to the MSBA as well as further develop its site circulation and security features.  MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.

The Town of Scituate
Gates Intermediate School

Owner’s Project Manager: Daedalus Projects Inc.
Designer: Dore & Whittier, Inc.

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 connect a new Gates Intermediate School to the High School building. The FAS and MSBA staff inquired about the following items: 1) the training plan for transition to Project Based Learning; 2) the District’s “Bring Your Own Device” policy and technology budget; 3) the District’s intention to hire a Media Specialist for the new school; and 4) opportunities for outdoor education including the on-site vernal pool.

MSBA staff is currently working with the District to establish an acceptable methodology for identifying ineligible work associated with the auditorium and high school facility and to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.

The following District presented on the progress of its proposed project at the April 30, 2014 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Lunenburg
Lunenburg Middle-High School

Owner’s Project Manager: Joslin, Lesser + Associates, Inc.
Designer: Tappé Associates, Inc.

At the request of the MSBA, the Town of Lunenburg presented its revisions to the MSBA Board approved Schematic Design and Project Scope and Budget.  The District explained how these revisions impact the educational program, building layout, schedule, and budget.  The District also presented a timeline of local meetings, actions, and approvals related to the scope revisions.  They also provided an overview of how the revisions were presented to the community.

MSBA staff is currently working with the District to establish next steps for the Lunenburg Middle-High School Project.

The following District presented on the progress of its proposed project at the March 12, 2014 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Plymouth
Plymouth South High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Ted Gentry Associates, Inc.
Designer: Ai3 Architects

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 of a new Plymouth South High School. The FAS and MSBA staff inquired about the following items: 1) goals of the educational program and the conceptual layout of the building; 2) current and proposed Chapter 74 approved programs within the District; 3) proposed vocational clusters and how they are coordinated with the academic spaces; and 4) design features for community use.

The FAS requested that the District further develop its educational program and resubmit it to the MSBA.  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 its proposed project at the February 26, 2014 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Holbrook
Holbrook Junior-Senior High School
Current Phase:  Preferred Schematic

Owner’s Project Manager: Symmes Maini & McKee Associates
Designer: Flansburgh Architects

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the educational program, the site, options studied during the Feasibility Study, and the District’s preferred solution of a new PK-12 facility on the existing site. The FAS discussed: 1) the District’s plans for transitioning 5th grade teachers from block scheduling to a self-contained teaching methodology; 2) the importance of teacher planning time and teacher planning space; 3) the potential for shelter at the buildings entrance for handicapped drop-off; 4) adjusting the PK-8 spaces and considering the length of the hallways for students in that age group; 5) consideration of green spaces versus hard-scape spaces; 7) the financial capacity and community support to undertake a project for a PK-12 facility; 8) the possibility of regionalizing with the Town of Avon; and 9) flexibility of the design to support the potential regionalization.

The FAS requested that the District provide supplemental information regarding their preferred solution to address the items discussed during the February 26, 2014 FAS meeting. MSBA staff looks forward to receiving the District’s supplemental information regarding the potential project as well as evidence of community support for the District’s preferred solution.

MSBA staff will continue to work with the District to resolve the issues addressed so that a recommendation of a mutually agreeable solution may be made to the MSBA Board of Directors.

The following Districts presented on the progress of its proposed project at the January 15, 2014 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Abington
Charles M. Frolio Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Knight, Bagge & Anderson, Inc.
Designer: Ai3 Architects, LLC

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the educational program, the site, options studied during the Feasibility Study, and the District’s preferred solution of a new co-located middle and high school with Pre-K. The FAS discussed: 1) the previous options reviewed and submitted by the District versus the option as presented at FAS; 2) how the proposed solution separates grades by cohorts; 3) continued development of conceptual plans to better reflect the educational program; 4) design considerations for school administration to monitor external and internal circulation and security; 5) academic organization of the high school spaces; 6) organization and layout of the middle school; and, 7) the importance of establishing sufficiently detailed conceptual layouts prior to proceeding into schematic design.

The FAS requested that the District provide supplemental information regarding its preferred solution to address the items discussed during the January 15, 2014 FAS meeting. MSBA staff looks forward to receiving the District’s supplemental information regarding the potential project.

MSBA staff will continue to work with the District to resolve the issues addressed so that a recommendation of a mutually agreeable solution may be made to the MSBA Board of Directors.

City of Haverhill
Caleb Dustin Hunking Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Joslin Lesser + Associates
Designer: JCJ Architecture

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the educational program, the site, options studied during the Feasibility Study, and the District’s preferred solution of a new Caleb Dustin Hunking K-8 School to replace the existing 6-8 middle school. The FAS raised concerns about the following items: 1) the plans in the current educational program for a district-wide STEM program to be located at the Hunking School which could potentially have an unintended negative impact to the science related programs at the remaining middle schools in the district; and 2) the District’s plan to provide an “Upper School” to serve grades 5-8 in the Hunking School which would require a transition of the existing fifth grade elementary school teachers to a middle school team-teaching approach.

The FAS requested that the District: 1) receive confirmation from the Office for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that the educational plan as it relates to the proposed STEM program is consistent with state policy; and 2) demonstrate its intent to provide professional development to applicable existing teaching staff.  MSBA staff looks forward to receiving this supplemental documentation regarding these concerns.

MSBA staff will continue to work with the District to resolve the issues addressed so that a recommendation of a mutually agreeable solution may be made to the MSBA Board of Directors.