The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the January 24, 2018 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the "MSBA") Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the "FAS") Meeting:
Town of Foxborough
Mabelle M. Burrell Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner's Project Manager: Colliers International
Designer: Kaestle Boos Architects
The Town of Foxborough (the "District"), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented its overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to proceed into Schematic Design for an addition and renovation project to the Mabelle M. Burrell Elementary School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation of the educational program; 2) overall site plan development including use of mid-scale plans to enhance understanding of site features; 3) the location of the proposed loading dock area and proximity to the Pre-K entrance; 4) the proposed utilization of green space; 5) the proposed distribution of special education spaces; 6) the location of OT/PT/Adaptive PE activities and proximity to the gymnasium; 7) potential opportunities for increased flexibility and communication between the art classroom, music classroom and computer lab; 8) the delivery of Spanish curriculum and opportunities for interdisciplinary instruction; and, 9) acoustical considerations of airport-style toilet entries in close proximity to instructional spaces.
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 Northbridge
W. Edward Balmer Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner's Project Manager: Symmes Maini & McKee Associates
Designer: Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.
The Town of Northbridge (the "District"), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented its overview of the options studied during the Feasibility Study and the District’s preferred solution to consolidate the existing W. Edward Balmer Elementary School, the Northbridge Elementary School, and fifth grade students in a new facility, on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation of the building’s design; 2) reconsideration of the maker spaces and how these spaces compare with delivery of project based learning in homerooms, particularly in the lower elementary grades; 3) the importance of professional development as it relates to the proposed changes to teaching methodology; 4) the flexibility of the design for the delivery of the District’s current and future curriculum, including traditional and looping set-up; 5) delivery of the science and core curriculum in homeroom and specialized programmatic spaces; 6) opportunities for improved efficiencies as the design is further developed; 7) appreciation of the massing and solar orientation of the proposed design; 8) alignment of the design and the educational program; 9) the school schedule and its impact on curriculum delivery; and 10) the logistical challenges relating to site circulation.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.
City of Springfield
Brightwood Elementary School
Current Phase: Eligibility Period
Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska USA Buildings
Designer: DiNisco Design Partnership
The City of Springfield (the "District"), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the City’s Elementary School Facilities Best Educational Use Study and how it informs near and long-term plans for the City in its plans to improve elementary school facilities city-wide. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the Educational Program for the Brightwood Elementary School and how it relates to the District’s overall educational vision; 2) the use of subject specialists to support primary teachers in the delivery of Science and Social Studies curricula in elementary schools; 3) appreciation for the graphical presentation of the City’s district-wide review of existing elementary schools and plans for improvements; 4) the challenges and importance of providing educational equity across the City; 5) how the proposed concept of adjacent schools with shared core spaces can provide flexibility and efficiencies; 6) the educational benefits of full day preschool for urban students, and the City’s plans for centrally located part-time Pre-K programs serving three-year-olds while expanding opportunities for full day Pre-K for four-year-olds within boundary schools across the City; 7) the recent influx of students and potential impact to current and future enrollment; and 8) advocating for school funding and support that could allow for the District to implement targeted capital improvements outside of the MSBA’s grant program.
MSBA staff look forward to continued conversations with the District to better understand both the District’s progress on the Brightwood Elementary School Feasibility Study, and the District’s long-term plans specific to city-wide consolidations and optimal school sizes.
