2013 Meeting Information - Massachusetts School Building Authority

The following District presented on the progress of its proposed project at the December 18, 2013 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Swampscott
Hadley Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Collaborative Partners
Designer: Mount Vernon Group

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team provided an update to the Facilities Assessment Subcommittee regarding the proposed project. During this update the district and its project team addressed the proposed project-related issues discussed at the October 23, 2013 Facilities Assessment Subcommittee meeting and the November 20, 2013 Board of Directors meeting. The following items were discussed between the FAS, MSBA staff, and the District during the meeting: 1) site topography and circulation; 2) the potential connection to the existing middle school; 3) day-lighting; 4) isolation of STEM spaces; and 5) the potential for coverage at the building’s entrance for handicapped drop-off.

MSBA staff will continue to work with the District on the development of its schematic design.

The following District presented on the progress of its proposed project at the November 6, 2013 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Northborough
Lincoln Street Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Strategic Building Solutions, Inc.
Designer: Lamoureux Pagano 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 an addition and renovation project at the Lincoln Street Elementary School. The following items were discussed between the FAS, MSBA staff, and the District during the meeting: 1) lack of natural light in special education spaces; 2) configuration of classrooms and other spaces; 3) safety concerns regarding the existing exterior classroom doors; 4) potential for communicating doors between classrooms; 5) potential utilization of the courtyard; and 6) potential inclusion of sinks, storage, and technology within classrooms.

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 October 23, 2013 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting.

City of Chelsea
Clark Avenue Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Pinck & Co
Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.

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 Clark Ave Middle School. The FAS raised concerns about the following items: 1) the distance of handicapped parking and drop-off zones from the building entrances; 2) egress in science classrooms; and 3) adequate acoustical separation between the auditorium and gym floors. Additionally, the following items were discussed between the FAS, MSBA staff, and the District during the meeting: 1) potential for sinks in every classroom; 2) the opportunity for green space on the roof; 3) previous grade configurations in the City; and 4) the benefits of a contextual massing study.

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 Haverhill
Caleb Dustin Hunking Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

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

The FAS requested that the District further develop its educational program and resubmit it to the MSBA. MSBA staff looks forward to receiving the supplemental information regarding the project.

Town of Swampscott
Hadley Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Collaborative Partners
Designer: Mount Vernon Group

The FAS requested that the District provide supplemental information regarding the proposed project to the MSBA.

The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the September 11, 2013 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Milford
Woodland Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

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

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 Woodland Elementary School. The FAS and MSBA staff raised concerns about the following items: 1) space for circulation in hallways, staircases, and at the main entrance; 2) the distance of handicapped parking and drop-off zones from the building entrances; 3) site circulation; and 4) configuration of the book storage rooms. Additionally, the following items were discussed between the FAS, MSBA staff, and the District during the meeting: 1) the proposed layout and the importance of creating smaller “neighborhoods” within the facility; 2) consideration of putting sinks in the classrooms; and 3) exploring the opportunity for more natural light in interior spaces.

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 Boston
Josiah Quincy Upper School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Maureen Anderson, City Employee, City of Boston
Designer: HMFH Architects, Inc.

The City, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the educational program, the site, the options studied during the Feasibility Study, and the City’s preferred solution to replace the existing Josiah Quincy Upper School and the Boston Arts Academy with a new facility that houses students in grades 6-12 from both schools. The FAS noted previous discussions regarding the Josiah Quincy Upper School and inquired about the following regarding the Boston Arts Academy: 1) the proposed enrollment for the Boston Arts Academy; 2) the proposed grade configuration and impact on access for students across the City; 3) consideration of pairing non-traditional studies; 4) commitment to working with other middle schools on an arts curriculum; and 5) options for students who aren’t accepted into the 9^th grade program.

The FAS and MSBA staff also inquired about the co-location of the two schools asking the District to consider the following: 1) flexible design of the visual arts and science spaces; 2) design for the delivery, storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals associated with the science and art curriculum; 3) site acquisition and schedule; and 4) mechanical system options and locations.

The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the August 28, 2013 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

City of Gloucester
West Parish Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Knight Bagge & Anderson, Inc.
Designer: Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.

The District, the owner’s project manager, and design team presented an overview of the educational program, the site, the options studied during the Feasibility Study, and the District’s preferred solution of constructing a new West Parish Elementary School. The FAS raised concerns about the following items: 1) the location of OT/PT special education space in relation to other educational spaces; and 2) the distance of handicapped parking and drop-off zones from the building entrances. The FAS and MSBA staff also inquired about the District’s technology goals and the need for a dedicated computer lab, the level of technology staffing, and the District’s educational program regarding in-class science integration and exploration of outdoor science opportunities.

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 Georgetown
Georgetown Middle/High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Municipal Building Consultants, Inc.
Designer: Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc.

The District, the owner’s project manager, and design team presented an overview of the educational program, the site, the options studied during the Feasibility Study, and the District’s preferred solution of a limited renovation and repair to the Georgetown Middle/High School facility. The FAS and MSBA staff inquired about the following items: 1) the District’s plan to complete an evaluation and develop a solution to correct existing site drainage issues and how this may affect timing for MSBA staff to forward a recommendation to its Board of Directors; 2) the Middle School science lab locations and possible adjustments to science lab layouts; 3) the Middle School and High School functional and administrative separation; and 4) the Department of Early and Secondary Education feedback on the proposed special education layout.

MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution for addressing the issues identified at the Georgetown Middle/High School facility.

City of Boston
Henry Dearborn Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Daedalus Projects, Inc.
Designer: Jonathan Levi Architects, LLC

The City, the owner’s project manager, and design team presented an overview of the educational program, the site, the options studied during the Feasibility Study, and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Middle School facility with a new (grades 6-12) STEM Academy on the existing site. The FAS raised concerns about the following items: 1) the proposed scheduling as it relates to student lab and material fabrication time; 2) the preparation for development and delivery of the STEM curriculum; and 3) the commitment to staffing and operational budgets in support of delivery of the proposed STEM curriculum. The FAS and MSBA staff discussed with the District the following items: 1) the District’s proposed technology plan; 2) the number of general academic classrooms; and 3) the size of the science/exploratory spaces.

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 July 10, 2013 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

North Middlesex Regional School District
North Middlesex Regional High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Heery International
Designer: Symmes Maini and McKee Associates

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study, the site, and a conceptual layout of a new 9-12 facility. The FAS raised concernS about 1) an incomplete and contradictory education program as compared to the Preferred Schematic and 2) handicapped parking and drop-off zones with respect to the distance to the entrances. The MSBA requested that the educational program and Preferred Schematic submittal be revised by the designer, reviewed by the Superintendent, and resubmitted to the MSBA as a condition of the approval of a Preferred Schematic. The FAS and MSBA staff inquired about the following items: 1) construction schedule; 2) confirmation of Local Actions and Approvals requirements; 3) energy conservation; 4) greenhouse usage; and 5) completeness of floor plans related to the Preferred Solution.

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 June 26, 2013 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

Whitman-Hanson Regional School District
Maquan Elementary School
Current Phase: Schematic Design

Owner’s Project Manager: Knight, Bagge & Anderson, Inc.
Designer: Turowski2 Architecture, Inc.

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented the District’s updated Preferred Schematic layout, components of the District’s Educational Program, and the budget associated with the construction of a new PK-5 facility. The FAS raised concern about the handicapped parking and drop-off zones with respect to the distance to the entrances. The FAS inquired about: 1) length and width of hallways; 2) breakout spaces; 3) security; 4) technology in classrooms; and 5) space for the North River Collaborative in the proposed project. MSBA staff is currently working with the District to address concerns raised by the FAS as we work towards finalizing a recommendation to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.

MSBA Staff Presentation:

The Director of Project Management presented project schedule data to illustrate the typical timelines required to complete the work associated with the MSBA’s Feasibility Study Agreement. An MSBA Senior Project Manager provided a brief update on change order data analysis undertaken by staff to date, including a review of the data, methodology of analysis, and preliminary findings. For additional information regarding the timeline for Feasibility Study/Schematic Design phases and change order data please refer to the presentation below.

View Presentation

The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed project at the May 15, 2013 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical School District
Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical High School
Current Phase: Schematic Design

Owner’s Project Manager: Vertex Construction Services, Inc.
Designer: Richard D. Kimball Company, Inc.

The District, Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented the proposed scope and budget associated with repairs to the existing mechanical systems at the High School. The FAS raised concerns about: 1) the impact of the proposed scope of work to previous work funded by the Commonwealth, and 2) whether the proposed scope will provide a long-term solution to the existing deficiencies. The MSBA explained that a certain percentage of the proposed scope of work will be considered ineligible for reimbursement based on the MSBA’s policies regarding work on swimming pools and participation in work that would alter a recent prior project for which the District received state reimbursement. 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 project at the May 1, 2013 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Lunenburg
Lunenburg High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Joslin, Lesser & Associates
Designer: Tappe Associates, Inc.

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the District’s 6-12 grade reconfiguration and educational vision, the options studied during the Feasibility Study, the proposed project site, and a conceptual layout of a new 6-12 facility. The District also proposed an alternate conceptual layout for the MSBA’s consideration. The FAS and MSBA staff inquired about the following items: 1) delivery of science curriculum in the proposed spaces; 2) proposed project costs; 3) site drainage associated with the proposed project; 4) student entrances and the proposed separation for middle and high school students; and 5) flexibility of the proposed layout. Additionally, the MSBA had questions about the District’s new conceptual layout presented at the FAS meeting. 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 Brookline
Edward Devotion School
Current Phase: Designer Selection

Owner’s Project Manager: Tony Guigli, Town Employee
Designer: N/A

The District presented an overview of its District-wide enrollment growth and capacity needs, and how the growth may potentially impact the proposed project at the Edward Devotion School. The FAS highlighted the importance of the District’s Educational Program in future phases of the project. The MSBA looks forward to working with the District during Feasibility Study towards development of an appropriate and cost-effective solution.

The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed project at the March 20, 2013 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

City of Newton
A.E. Angier Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Joslin, Lesser & Associates
Designer: DiNisco Design Partnership, Ltd.

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study, the site, and the District’s preferred solution to construct a new A.E. Angier Elementary School on the existing site. The FAS and MSBA staff inquired about the following items: 1) preliminary cost estimates; 2) potential for the creation of garden space on the plaza area with access from science classrooms; 3) adequate quantity of restrooms throughout the proposed facility; and 4) sufficient lighting in the shared cubby spaces on the hallway side of the classrooms.

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 Winthrop
Winthrop High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

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

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study, the site, and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Winthrop Middle and High Schools with a new 6-12 facility on the existing high school site. The FAS and MSBA staff inquired about the following items: 1) site circulation and potential flooding; 2) delivery of science curriculum; 3) preliminary cost estimates; and 4) schedule. Additionally, the FAS and MSBA staff raised concerns about the following items: 1) location of the service entrance and connection to the kitchen area; 2) configuration of the science labs in the high school science department; 3) adequate acoustical separation between the auditorium and gym floors; 4) staff access and circulation pathways between the high school and middle school portions of the facility; 5) location of the elevators in both the high and middle school; and 6) size and location of the special education rooms throughout the facility.

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 project at the February 27, 2013 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

Athol-Royalston Regional School District
Riverbend Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Symmes Maini & McKee Associates
Designer: Mount Vernon Group Architects, 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 construct a new Riverbend Elementary School on the campus site. The FAS and MSBA staff inquired about the following items: 1) recent capital projects within the Town; 2) the District’s ability to gain local support for funding the project; 3) components of the educational program; 4) components of the special education program as it relates to the DESE’s coordinated program review and the upcoming District-wide review; 5) The short and long-term operational budget; and 6) the flexibility of the proposed layout to allow for adjustments to the delivery of the educational program.

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 Lynn
Thurgood Marshall Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Joslin Lesser & Associates
Designer: Raymond Design 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 to construct a new Thurgood Marshall Middle School on the Brookline Street site. The FAS and MSBA staff inquired about the following items: 1) the land acquisition process and schedule; 2) the proposed solution’s alignment with the education program; 3) the proposed proximity of the building to the existing railroad tracks; 4) further evaluation of circulation through the building; and 5) future considerations for a rooftop play area.

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 Winchester
Winchester High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Skanksa USA Building, Inc.
Designer: Symmes Maini & McKee Associates

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 an addition and renovation project at Winchester High School. The FAS and MSBA staff inquired about the following items: 1) the district’s understanding of the potential unforeseen costs associated with the proposed scope; 2) the district’s understanding of MSBA’s policies as they would impact the amount of the grant; 3) the second large group instruction space; 4) phasing challenges with an occupied building; and 5) the proposed schedule for the start of construction as it relates to Article 97.

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 9, 2013 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (“FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Dracut
Dracut Senior High School
Current Phase: Construction

Owner’s Project Manager: Collaborative Partners
Designer: Mount Vernon Group Architects

The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and the Design team presented the proposed adjustments the District has made to its educational program since the approved Project Scope and Budget on February 9, 2011. The District and its consultants presented information about the District’s current special education program, the proposed changes to the special education program, and the proposed changes to the culinary program. The FAS and MSBA staff inquired about the following items: 1) operational cost savings as they relate to the proposed special education changes; 2) current special education transportation costs; 3) accreditation requirements associated with the proposed special education program; 5) changes as they relate to the Design Development submittal from the Project Scope and Budget Submittal; and 6) overall space changes.

The MSBA has asked that the District provide an updated Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (“DESE”) submittal. The District shall provide a detailed analysis of the revisions applied to the floor plans and space summary which were previously approved at the Schematic Design phase, including the impact to the scope, schedule, and cost of the project, as well as the rationale for the changes. Finally, the District shall provide the MSBA with information about its current and proposed enrichment program offerings and how the enrichment programs align with the District’s operational budget for the High School.

The MSBA will continue to work with the District to conclude its review of the District’s most recent submittal and to determine if the project must be forwarded to the MSBA Board of Directors for its consideration.