The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the February 1, 2017 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the "MSBA") Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the "FAS") Meeting:
Town of Ipswich
Winthrop Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: PMA Consultants, LLC
Designer: Perkins Eastman/DPC
The Town of Ipswich (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 consolidate the existing Winthrop Elementary School and Doyon Elementary School in a new building on the existing Winthrop Elementary School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the educational programing at the middle and high schools and its potential integration at the new elementary school; 2) the recommendation to add a covered pick up and drop off area; 3) flexibility of the proposed maker space; 4) the orientation of the building; 5) site and parking constraints; 6) communication efforts with abutting neighbors; 7) the District’s vision of a co-teaching model; and 8) noise levels in the classrooms which surround the outdoor learning area/courtyard spaces.
The FAS requested additional information regarding security access at all points of entry for students who will arrive to school early.
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 Saugus
Saugus High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: PMA Consultants, LLC
Designer: HMFH Architects
The Town of Saugus (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 Saugus High School with a new grades 6-12 middle/high school on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the MSBA’s Science Lab Initiative; 2) the District’s educational program; 3) the suggestion to incorporate two means of egress out of each science lab; 4) the benefits of providing professional development for staff; 5) the function of the project areas, and how to incorporate intention with how the spaces are used and scheduled; 6) building security; 7) the project’s proposed layout, lack of light, and outdoor views from the common spaces; 8) the importance of creating an inviting environment and caution against comprising essential design considerations; and, 9) community outreach.
The FAS requested additional information regarding the District’s educational plan and floor plan as it approaches the Schematic Design phase of the proposed project.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.