The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the September 9, 2015 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Town of Dedham
Early Childhood Education Center
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Construction Management Services, Inc.
Designer: Knight, Bagge & Anderson, Inc.
The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and the design team presented an overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to relocate Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students currently attending the Early Childhood Education Center to a new Early Childhood Education Center on the existing Dexter School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) fostering transitions for students and connections for teachers as students move from the ECEC to a neighborhood elementary school; 2) the educational benefits of a stand-alone ECEC versus combining the ECEC with an existing elementary school; 3) reasoning as to why a PK-K grade configuration is valued by the District and its community; 4) the use of the proposed Welcome Center; 5) the benefits of larger classroom spaces for incorporating specialty subjects, physical movement, and support for english language learners; 6) the appropriateness of a kiln room for ECEC students; 7) proposed technology for delivery of the curriculum and the District’s overall technology plan; and 8) sheltered entrances.
The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) further refinement of floor plans to align with the goals stated in the District's updated Educational Program. Specifically, to embrace the welcoming qualities inherent in an early childhood education center, as noted by the District during the FAS meeting; 2) providing additional information about the proposed use of the Welcome Center including proposed programming, location and layout; and 3) review of site considerations for student drop-off and parking areas.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.
Mount Greylock Regional School District
Mount Greylock Regional Middle/High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.
Designer: Design Partnership of Cambridge
The District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and the 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 Mount Greylock Regional School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the topography of the site and the scale of the addition to the proposed building; 2) further development of the proposed building entry area; 3) the remediation of current moisture concerns in the existing building; 4) the potential to develop or increase break-out spaces and natural light in the corridors or other areas; 5) the delivery of core academic programming and associated small group seminar space; 6) more structured teacher planning time/professional development with the new facility’s spaces; 7) the class size policy stated in the District's educational program; 8) consideration of lengthening class periods for science and other specialty programs to foster better instruction; 9) the potential future uses for the stained glass shop; 10) regionalization opportunities in Berkshire County; and 11) the extent of tuition-in students from non-member cities and towns.
The MSBA looks forward to the District keeping staff informed of the ongoing discussion between the Town of Lanesborough and the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District as the proposed project progresses.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.
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