The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the November 29, 2017 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the "MSBA") Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the "FAS") Meeting:
Town of Harvard
Hildreth Elementary School
Current Phase: Schematic Design
Owner’s Project Manager: NV5
Designer: Arrowstreet
The Town of Harvard (the "District"), the Owner's Project Manager, and design team presented an update to the previously approved Hildreth Elementary School project. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the comparison of this proposed project to the previously approved building layout; 2) community outreach; 3) universal design and accessibility regarding sloped floors and ramps; 4) the thoughtfulness of design as it relates to solar orientation, integration of the proposed building into the existing site topography and distribution of student support spaces; 5) the delivery of world language and adaptive physical education curricula and use of the proposed maker space; 6) acoustics of the media center: 7) access to the learning stairs; 8) the floor to ceiling heights on the lower level; and 9) location of the elevator.
The FAS requested that the district continue to communicate with MSBA staff regarding proposed design changes as the District moves forward in Schematic Design.
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 Weymouth
Maria Weston Chapman Middle School
Current Phase: Eligibility Period
Owner’s Project Manager: Hill Int’l
Designer: HMFH
The Town of Weymouth (the "District"), the Owner's Project Manager, and design team presented the District’s request to add a fourth study option to their enrollment. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) consideration of enrollment size on a single campus; 2) teacher certifications and professional development; 3) design considerations regarding potential flooding and infiltration; 4) the potential for one of the District’s elementary school's closing over time; 5) capacity issues related to kindergarten and/or grade 5 enrollment placed back at the elementary school level; 6) cost and commitment to offering full-day kindergarten; 7) building efficiencies associated with larger enrollment and grade configuration; 8) district and staff discussion regarding the 20% increase in costs associated with larger enrollment and grade configuration; 9) the fact that the cost and scope required at the Abigail Adams facility would be borne solely by the District; 10) proof of capacity at the grade K-5 and grade K-4 level; and 11) the MSBA's support for a fourth study enrollment option is for Feasibility Study purposes only, and does not presume approval of any particular study option.
The FAS requested additional information regarding the proposed construction of a new school relative to the Union Square Development deal and current status.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District as they develop a Preliminary Design Program for submission to the MSBA.