On February 6th, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) were welcomed by the project team at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in Charlton for a day long presentation and discussion about their experience in completing their addition and renovation project. This event was part of the greater Story of a Building program, which is an annual collaboration between the MSBA and OIG allowing for MSBA school districts to share their best practices and lessons learned with new MSBA school district partners. This program was attended by over 90 representatives from more than 30 Massachusetts school districts, with many just recently embarking on their own school construction and renovation projects. 

Serving 10 towns in central Massachusetts, Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School faced significant overcrowding issues, deteriorating building conditions, and inadequate academic and vocational spaces. Bay Path’s addition and renovation project has improved the district’s ability to deliver educational programming by increasing the square footage of the existing building envelope by 50,000 square feet and incorporating upgrades to all building systems, including improvements to the electrical system, fire suppression system, water system, windows, and roof. The project was completed $500,000 under budget at $73 million and achieved LEED Silver certification. 

Starting off the morning session, MSBA Executive Director, Jack McCarthy, was joined by Massachusetts Inspector General, Glenn A. Cunha, to welcome attendees and introduce the panel of speakers. The panel included members of the project team, district officials, school building committee members, and community representatives who supported the project from the get-go. Sharing their perspectives on why the renovation and addition was the right choice for the district, the panelists emphasized the importance of determining unmet needs within the current building, selecting the right Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) and Architect, identifying the scope and budget, as well as gaining local approval for the project. Additionally, the team advocated for other districts to explore potential addition and renovation options as a way to find value-added for their own projects. 

Following a tour of the new building areas, the Superintendent of Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School, John Lafleche, introduced the lessons learned by the school project team during this renovation project. Superintendent Lafleche was joined by the existing panel of speakers in making the following recommendations:

  • Consider “rightsizing” the project to avoid Value Engineering methods and ensure cost estimates are as accurate as possible
  • Project phasing can be instrumental when undergoing occupied renovation
  • Planning and execution are paramount to a successful HAZMAT remediation 
  • Develop a strong understanding of MSBA policies, specifically, swing space and cost caps
  • Selecting and installing technology should involve the integration of old and new systems while prioritizing building safety and operation 

After lunch was served, MSBA Executive Director, Jack McCarthy, and MSBA Director of Program Management, Diane Sullivan, offered insight on planning and preparing for acceptance into the MSBA project pipeline. The duo emphasized strict adherence to MSBA deadlines for the submission of materials and prompt scheduling of Senior Study Visits. Capping off the discussion of MSBA project development, MSBA Board Members, Terry Kwan and Matt Deninger, identified tips for drafting a strong educational plan. Both members articulated the need for districts to carefully plan for their assembly spaces, break-out educational areas, science laboratories, and shop areas dedicated to Career and Technical Education (CTE) supported by Chapter 74 funding. 

Lastly, the MSBA Director of Strategic Planning, Barbara Hansberry, was joined by Purchasing Agent for the City of Peabody, Dan Doucette, as well as Superintendent LaFleche to share best practices regarding the outfitting of MSBA schools with furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E). The team shared cost data regarding FF&E procurement for other MSBA projects, indicating that rising costs of furniture and equipment can be mitigated with the offering of volume discounts and cooperative purchasing from publicly bid contracts.  

Attendees appreciated the day’s training topics and the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to the MSBA’s school building program.