2019 Meeting Information - Massachusetts School Building Authority

The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the November 20, 2019 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

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

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

The City of Boston (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented to the FAS an overview of the District’s understanding of the challenges to meet a grossing factor of 1.50. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation for the District’s presentation of anticipated challenges in meeting the 1.50 grossing factor requirement; 2) site constraints; 3) code requirements for high-rise buildings; 4) site selection process; 5) anticipated soil conditions, use of piles and associated cost of foundations; 6) current and proposed geographic locations of students attending JQUS; 7) location of the proposed auditorium; 8) approach to interior circulation including width of hallways, number of lobbies and potential for increased efficiency; 9) project goals and architectural concepts; 10) potential for inclusion of rooftop learning space; and, 10) ineligible and potentially ineligible spaces as it relates to the grossing factor.

The FAS requested floor plan diagrams showing an itemization of proposed code required gross areas compared to other non-code required gross areas.

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

Town of Orange
Dexter Park Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Hill International Inc.
Designer: Raymond Design Associates, Inc.

The Town of Orange (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 Dexter Park School with an addition and renovation project at the existing Fisher Hill Elementary School that will serve students in grades PK-6 district-wide. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation of the Educational Program and outdoor learning spaces; 2) the distribution of Special Education spaces; 3) staffing, use, and maintenance of the proposed Maker Space; 4) the view of the building from the street and upon approach; 5) FM sound assistance in each classroom; 6) community outreach and support for the proposed project; 7) potential opportunities for integrating World Languages and culture into the curriculum; 8) the user experience upon entering the building, internal circulation, and opportunities to further develop floor plans relative to the three entrances; 9) the use of the Family Resource Center; and, 10) project costs relative to community readiness.

The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) the District’s not-to-exceed budget amount; and, 2) the site development restrictions, the proposed site circulation, and site safety and site access during construction.

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 November 13, 2019 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

City of Gloucester
East Gloucester Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: CBRE/Heery, Inc.
Designer: Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.

The City of Gloucester (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 East Gloucester Elementary School and Veterans Memorial School with a new combined facility serving grades K-5 on the existing Veterans Memorial School site, contingent upon the District gaining full ownership, control, and exclusive use of the site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation of the proposed layout; 2) the relationship between the extended and outdoor learning areas, and use of those spaces; 3) the importance of/ Plans for professional development as it relates to the proposed merging of teaching methodologies; 4) appreciation of the Educational Program; 5) appreciation of the distribution of special education spaces; 6) appreciation of site selection; 7) consideration of noise and air quality testing; 8) consideration of storage solutions and display areas within classrooms; 9) consideration of air conditioning; 10) internet accessibility; 11) gardening program; 12) safety and security; 13) staffing related to the Library/ Media Center; 14) consideration of the number and layout of toilet facilities in public spaces; 15) considerations regarding healthy materials for furniture and furnishings; 16) opportunities for collaborative purchasing; 17) consideration of site drainage; and, 18) project cost.

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 2, 2019 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Easton
Center Elementary School
Current Phase: Schematic Design

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

The Town of Easton (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an update to their Preferred Schematic which replaces the existing Center Elementary School, Moreau Hall Elementary School and Parkview Elementary Schools with a new district-wide grades PK-2 facility on the site of the existing Parkview Elementary School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation for the updated educational program and progress of the conceptual design from the Preferred Schematic Report to the Schematic Design submittal, including the centralized common spaces, ramp concept and integration of outdoor learning spaces; 2) scheduling and safety considerations associated with the proposed main ramp; 3) circulation through the cafeteria and cafeteria serving lines relative to the proposed ramp; 4) the integration of universal design principles; 5) District’s program for financial assistance with its tuition-based Kindergarten programming; 6) opportunities for continued professional development such as the National Science Teaching Association Conference; 7) the importance of incorporating specialist instructors’ input into general classroom instruction and lesson planning; 8) staffing of the proposed makerspace; 9) the quantity and location of elevators; 10) accessibility of outdoor learning and play spaces; 11) the number of toilets on the second floor; 12) potential landscaping and maintenance costs associated with the learning and sensory courtyard; and, 13) the proposed use of hallways as program space and incorporation within the District’s current schedule.

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 August 7, 2019 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Leicester
Leicester Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: NV5 Consultants, Inc.
Designer: Finegold Alexander Architects, Inc.

The Town of Leicester (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to replace the existing Leicester Primary School, Leicester Memorial Elementary School, and Leicester Middle School with a new PK-8 school facility on the existing Leicester Middle School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the distribution of Special Education spaces; 2) an appreciation for the District’s educational program; 3) staffing related to the Library/ Media Center; 4) efficiency of the floor plan; 5) an appreciation for the proposed outdoor learning spaces and consideration for how those spaces will be developed for different age groups; 6) the MSBA’s “Review and Recommendations of Best Practices for K-12 STEM Learning Spaces” report and Staff Recommendation for 2018 Science/Technology/ Engineering Area Guidelines; 7) review of science classroom distribution to provide adjacencies with general classrooms of the same grade level; 8) parking locations and green space; 9) the relationship between the building and adjacent hardscape; 10) further development of the building facades and view of the building from the street and upon approach; and, 11) building massing and orientation.

The FAS requested that the District consider the proposed location of the first floor Special Education, Speech, and OT/PT spaces.

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

Nauset Regional School District
Nauset Regional High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Daedalus Projects, Inc
Designer: Flansburgh Architects

The Nauset 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 of an addition and renovation project at the Nauset Regional High School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) distribution and location of special education spaces; 2) an appreciation of the educational program and its integration in the proposed plans; 3) an appreciation of the open campus and involvement of the landscape architect; 4) the thoughtful integration of interior and exterior spaces, utilizing courtyards to support learning activities; 5) community outreach and support for the project; 6) circulation of the site; 7) layout and use of spaces within the student center; 8) how the proposed design allows for community use; 9) consideration to prioritize materials and reduce project costs through value engineering; 10) development of additional and unique learning opportunities; and, 11) the relationship between the District and its academic and corporate partners.

The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) the rationalization for the proposed locations of the Special Education spaces next to the Research Center; and, 2) the rationalization for the proposed locations of the Life Skills and Culinary Art spaces in proximity to the kitchen.

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 Waltham
Waltham High School
Current Phase: Schematic Design

Owner’s Project Manager: NV5 Consultants, Inc.
Designer: Symmes, Maini & McKee Associates

The City of Waltham (the “District”), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the further development of its proposed project scope and budget since approval to proceed into schematic design.. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) ineligible site preparation costs and site amenities; 2) the steps taken to mitigate high construction / site costs; 3) location and use of Special Education spaces; 4) organization and elevation of the ground floor; 5) layout of the dining commons; 6) civic presence of the proposed building; 7) the addition of the portico; 8) use of the courtyards in relation to preschool programs and outdoor dining; 9) appreciation of the improvements made to the proposed layout; 10) plans for professional development; 11) plans for continuation of the former superintendent’s educational vision; and, 12) intent for public interaction for the graphic design and graphic communications programs.

The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) the “ARC” program and its designation in the Space Summary; and, 2) labelling of Special Education space in the floor plan.

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 5, 2019 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Sharon
Sharon High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

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

The Town of Sharon (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 Sharon High School with a new facility serving grades 9-12 on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) an appreciation of the Education Program and the District’s response to the subcommittee’s comments; 2) the consideration of the chemical storage square footage requirements and introducing microchemistry into the curriculum; 3) an appreciation of the proposed layout; 4) the incorporation of the construction process used as a teaching and learning tool; 5) the district’s approach to world languages and the future of language lab and instruction; 6) the difference between the Innovation Labs and STEAM rooms; 7) the distribution of the toilet rooms and consideration of gender-neutral options; 8) reducing the long-term utility cost by modifying the building’s footprint; 9) an appreciation of the façade’s design; 10) the project’s sustainable goals and the preliminary exploration of opportunities to approach Net Zero for energy usage;11) the relationship between the cafeteria and media center and its visual connection to the outdoor natural resources; 12) the consideration of ease of access to the stage for set design; and,13) confirmation of conversations with District’s facilities teams to simplify future operation of the building systems.

The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) how the District will reduce operational costs associated with the general classroom wings; and, 2) the life skills spaces.

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 Easton
Center Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

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

The Town of Easton (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 Center Elementary School, Moreau Hall Elementary School and Parkview Elementary Schools with a new facility serving grades PK-2 district-wide on the existing Parkview Elementary School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the educational program and its relation to the proposed building layout; 2) evolution of the Community Center, Learning Kitchen, and Central Administration space, 3) progress of the conceptual design and modifications made since submission of the Preferred Schematic Report; 4) community support for the proposed project; 5) the scheduling of science and social studies programs; 6) program delivery for English Learners and space for small group instruction; 7) the importance of professional development and teacher collaboration; 8) the distribution of special education spaces; 9) the further development of landscape plan to include differentiation between structured play areas, outdoor classrooms and open green space in addition to student transitions and learning opportunities; and, 10) an appreciation for proposed learning zones and curriculum choices.

The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) the educational program; 2) floor plans; 3) the space summary, 4) the site plan; 5) the Preliminary Design Pricing Table; and, 6) Local Actions & Approvals.

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

Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
C.T. Douglas Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

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

The Acton-Boxborough 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 C.T. Douglas Elementary School and the Paul P. Gates Elementary School on the existing Paul P. Gates Elementary School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) an appreciation for the level of clarity provided in the updated plans and presentation, especially regarding how proposed shared spaces and the two unique school identities interact through the use of unifying elements; 2) opportunities for further development of the site, incorporating more buffers and separation between the building and vehicular traffic; 3) opportunities to further develop the proposed scale and image of the south elevation and front entrance of the building, and consideration of how the north elevation distinctly scales down the size of the building from that perspective; 4) the location of the south facing art and music classrooms, and how those proposed spaces may utilize the natural light expected from their positioning; 5) the long corridors proposed in the design, and consideration of how each corridor could be more clearly defined for the youngest population of students; 6) opportunities for further development of the service entrance, and additional separation from the proposed outdoor play areas; 7) opportunities to develop play areas through the use of creative building envelope and landscape design; 8) opportunities to more clearly define Pre-Kindergarten students use of proposed outdoor play areas as part of the educational curriculum; 9) further consideration for the proposed cafetorium partition, and how students entering from one side may need to traverse through the proposed partition; 10) consideration for building in flexibility in the design of some grade 1 classrooms to potentially serve Kindergarten students in the future; and 11) consideration for the incorporation of the learning commons and utilizing the natural topography of the existing 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 March 20, 2019 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Town of Braintree
South Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Hill International, Inc.
Designer: Miller Dyer Spears, Inc.

The Town of Braintree (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 South Middle School with a new grades 5-8 facility on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) an appreciation of the District’s educational program and its relation to the proposed building layout; 2) design limitations associated with site topography and the location of the existing building to remain; 3) site circulation and location of pick-up/drop-off areas; 4) shelter and access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; 5) distribution of special education spaces and specialized programs; 6) access, use, and maintenance of the proposed courtyard; 7) potential to relate the courtyard to the student experience, interior circulation, and possible connections to the educational program; 8) the proposed elevator location and associated travel time required within the building; 9) the proposed location of the art room, media room and academy commons; 10) the capacity of the proposed music storage areas; and, 11) community outreach and how MSBA’s financial participation in the proposed project is being communicated to the District.

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 Rockland
Jefferson Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: PMA Consultants
Designer: Symmes, Maini, and McKee Associates

The Town of Rockland (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 Jefferson Elementary School and the existing Memorial Park Elementary School with a new district-wide grades 1-4 facility on the site of the existing Memorial Park Elementary School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) an appreciation of the District’s educational program and organization of academic neighborhoods; 2) distribution of special education spaces; 3) the size and function of the proposed courtyard; 4) the function of the maker space area for grades 1 and 2; 5) the proposed location of the music room in relation to guidance offices; 6) the use of the proposed “learning stairs”; 7) the overall massing of the proposed building; 8) the proposed location of parent and bus pick-up and drop-off locations; and, 9) shelter and access to the building for individuals with limited mobility.

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 13, 2019 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District
G.H. Mitchell Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Daedalus Projects, Inc.
Designer: Raymond Design Associates, Inc.

The Bridgewater-Raynham 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 George H. Mitchell Elementary School with a new facility on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the educational program and its relation to the proposed building layout; 2) grade reconfiguration and opportunity for increased alignment throughout the District; 3) the importance of input from teachers and early education specialists in educational planning; 4) the importance of professional/staff development; 5) clarification of interdisciplinary and project-based learning models; 6) the proposed location of the stage in relation to the gym and cafeteria; 7) the MSBA’s “Review and Recommendations of Best Practices for K-12 STEM Learning Spaces” report and Staff Recommendation for 2018 Science/Technology/Engineering Area Guidelines as it relates to integrating more than one sink in general classrooms; 8) utilization of the proposed maker space; 9) distribution of special education spaces; 10) an appreciation for the integration of PK classrooms; 11) an appreciation for the location of breakout spaces; 12) the proposed location of adaptive PE and OT/PT rooms and opportunities for improved adjacencies; 13) outdoor play spaces, parking and opportunity to further develop landscape plan as design progresses; 14) clarification of estimated site, demolition and hazardous materials costs for the two ‘new’ options; 15) project schedule; and, 16) community outreach.

The FAS requested additional information regarding the inclusion of increased parking.

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 Millbury
Raymond E. Shaw Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Hill International
Designer: Turowski2 Architecture, Inc.

The Town of Millbury (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 Raymond E. Shaw Elementary School with a new grades 3-6 facility on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the MSBA’s “Review and Recommendations of Best Practices for K-12 STEM Learning Spaces” report and Staff Recommendation for 2018 Science/Technology/Engineering Area Guidelines and appropriate adjustments in schematic design; 2) site development features that are not typical of an elementary school project; 3) an appreciation of the District’s educational program; 4) the site layout, parking and interest in understanding further development of both; 5) the proposed building massing and associated further development; 6) opportunities to enhance the building entry development; 7) refinement of proposed mechanical equipment location in the attic space; 8) proposed outdoor rooftop learning activities and opportunities to refine adjacency/access from maker-space; 9) special education spaces and their connection to the proposed “neighborhoods”; 10) consideration for providing one or two larger special education spaces for future use as self-contained classrooms; 11) consideration for future flexibility of special education spaces; 12) consideration for including sink-mounted eyewash provisions in classrooms, testing of potable water; 13) avoiding book storage beneath lab tables; 14) accessibility to outdoor learning spaces; 15) science and social science instruction; and 16) potential for adjacency improvements related to toilet room locations near “performance” areas.

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

Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
C.T. Douglas Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

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

The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) the design’s impact on adjoining wetlands and what is driving the proposed amount of paved parking areas.

MSBA staff understand that the District will continue to work to refine its floor plans for a future Preferred Schematic submission.

The following district presented on the progress of their proposed project at the January 23, 2019 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

City of Gardner
Waterford Street Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: Colliers International
Designer: Jones Whitsett Associates, Inc.

The City of Gardner (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 Waterford Street Elementary School and the existing Elm Street Elementary School with a new PK-4 facility to be located on the Pearl Street site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the location of the proposed building and the impact that clearing the forested area for construction of the building and parking lots will have on drainage and potential flooding; 2) the reduction in number of transitions for students; 3) incorporation of two sinks in each classroom; 4) the number of kindergarten students per classroom; 5) the proposed staffing and coordination of media center areas; 6) the proposed technology uses in the facility; 7) the importance of professional development and teacher planning time as it relates to the proposed changes to teaching methodology; 8) appreciation of the Educational Program and building layout; 9) the District’s Special Education program and the distribution of Special Education spaces in the proposed facility; 10) impacts of site constraints and natural topography on proposed parking; 11) incorporation of nature/natural setting into play spaces and curriculum; 12) the potential for a “school in the woods” concept as the design progresses; 13) the timeline associated with acquisition, control, and use of the site; 14) the location of the service entrance; and, 15) the size and flexibility of the cafeteria for future use.

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 January 16, 2019 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:

City of Amesbury
Amesbury Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: NV5 Consultants, Inc.
Designer: DiNisco Design Partnership

The City of Amesbury (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 Amesbury Elementary School with a new PK-2 facility to be located on the Cashman Elementary School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the educational program and its relation to the proposed building layout; 2) grade reconfiguration, student transitions, and instructional methods for mitigating impact; 3) design limitations associated with site topography, zoning setbacks and building expansion; 4) the MSBA’s “Review and Recommendations of Best Practices for K-12 STEM Learning Spaces” report as it relates to integrating more than one sink in general classrooms; 5) distribution of special education spaces and specialized programs; 6) the proposed use of the gymnasium for Adaptive PE; 7) the music program and its associated practice rooms and storage spaces; 8) appreciation for the project areas outside general classrooms; 9) outdoor access for PreK/K classrooms and layering of outdoor zones; 10) the potential benefits and efficiencies of the architect’s work on other public school buildings in relation to the proposed design; 11) site circulation, parking and opportunity to improve control features as the design progresses; and, 12) community outreach.

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 Waltham
Waltham High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Owner’s Project Manager: NV5 Consultants, Inc.
Designer: Symmes, Maini & McKee Associates, Inc.

The City of Waltham (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 high school on a new site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the high cost/sf of the Proposed Project, cost drivers, high volume of ineligible spaces and costs, and MSBA reimbursement; 2) the high site costs and site characteristics; 3) cost and capacity of the garage/turf field; 4) the ownership, control, and exclusive use of the property relating to the project schedule; 5) building organization, including: the relationship between the layout of the building and Project Based Learning; building circulation in relation to grade changes; access and circulation for individuals with limited mobility including access to elevators; distribution of Special Education spaces; use and design of the auditorium, and location of the auditorium storage; organization and flexibility of the proposed spaces; the recommendation of having the locker rooms on the same floor as the gymnasium; possible efficiencies of co-locating double height and high volume Chapter 74 spaces; use and design of the lecture theater; and, grouping of the science spaces; 6) aesthetic features of the building entrance and its civic presence; 7) appreciation of the Educational Program; 8) progress of the conceptual design; 9) appreciation of the District’s professional development plan; 10) use of the Maker Space; 11) the MSBA’s “Review and Recommendations of Best Practices for K-12 STEM Learning Spaces” report; and, 12) incorporation of ELL students in world language classes to foster student leadership in native languages.

The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) the locations of the locker rooms and the gym; 2) adjacencies and possible efficiencies of Chapter 74 programs; 3) the locations of the science rooms; 4) overall utilization; and, 5) the costs of 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.