December 14, 2011 Facilities Assessment Subcommittee Meeting
The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the December 14, 2011 MSBA Facilities Assessment Subcommittee Meeting:
Franklin Public Schools
Franklin High School
Current Phase: Model School Program
Owner’s Project Manager: Daedalus Projects, Inc.
Designer: Ai3 Architects
The District, owner’s project manager, and design team presented a brief overview of the process that was undertaken to determine that new construction of an MSBA Model School is the District’s preferred solution. They also provided information regarding the status of the Schematic Design. The Facilities Assessment Subcommittee inquired about the location and utilization of certain programmatic spaces unique to the District's educational curriculum. The District and design team explained how these spaces help deliver the District's curriculum. Also, the District explained that it will confirm with the MSBA that site issues raised previously by NEASC are addressed in the proposed project. The MSBA is currently working with the District and will determine an agreed upon solution to recommend to the Board of Directors.
Lexington Public Schools
Estabrook Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: RFWalsh Collaborative Partners
Designer: DiNisco Design Partnership
The District, owner’s project manager, and design team presented on the progress of the feasibility study. The team briefly presented the options that were explored and then focused on potential layout schemes for new construction options. The District’s proposed preferred solution, which is under final review locally, is for construction of a three story elementary school on the northeast portion of the current site. Following the District’s presentation, the Facilities Assessment Subcommittee expressed concern regarding the size and utilization of the shared project areas at the entrance of the classrooms. Ensuing discussion included how the District intends to use these spaces, how they are being used in other schools, and the District’s commitment to utilizing these areas to deliver its curriculum. The District agreed to provide supporting material regarding utilization of the spaces identified as project areas. The MSBA is currently working with the District and will determine an agreed upon solution to recommend to the Board of Directors.
Lincoln Public Schools
Lincoln K-8 School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska
Designer: OMR Architects
The District, owner’s project manager, and design team presented on the progress of the feasibility study. The team discussed the work conducted during the feasibility study and presented a variety of addition and renovation options, including the preliminary options, the final evaluation of options, and the District’s preferred solution. The District discussed how its preferred solution supports its educational vision for the school. Following the District’s presentation, the Facilities Assessment Subcommittee raised concerns regarding dissonance between the District’s desired educational goals and the architectural floor layout contained in the District’s submittal. The Subcommittee also raised concerns about the proposed project costs. The District will provide additional materials to address these concerns and MSBA staff will continue to work with the District to better understand the connection between the proposed project and the District's educational needs. The MSBA will continue working with the District to establish an agreed upon solution to recommend to the Board of Directors.
Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical High School
Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District
Current Phase: Design Development
Owner’s Project Manager: PMA Construction Services
Designer: Design Partnership of Cambridge
The District, owner’s project manager, and design team provided a status update and spoke about the progress of the design and the efforts undertaken to merge the two existing schools into a single Regional School District. Following the District’s presentation, the Facilities Assessment Subcommittee noted that the District should consider incorporating design concepts from the MSBA’s science classroom/lab guidelines to enhance flexibility with potential programmatic adjustments in the future. The Subcommittee also commended the District's ongoing collaborative efforts to realize expanded student opportunities and increased operational efficiencies. The Subcommittee encouraged the district to continue to strive for interaction between the academies.
