The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the March 10, 2021 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Greater Fall River Vocational School District
Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Colliers Project Leaders NE, LLC
Designer: Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc
The Greater Fall River Vocational School District (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 Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) Importance of a robust professional development plan and thoughtful schedule to encourage teacher collaboration across CTE and Academic programs; 2) Further development of the design to better reflect programmatic vertical connectivity; 3) Importance of completing an updated Chapter 74 Viability form to reflect programming and aid in the DESE approvals process; 4) Importance of incorporating lessons learned from the consultants’ previous Chapter 74 projects; 5) The location and adjacencies of the auditorium; 6) Distribution and intension of Special Education Spaces on the second floor; and, 7) The building’s location on the site.
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 Peabody
William A. Welch Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Dore & Whittier Management Partners, Inc.
Designer: DiNisco Design, Inc.
The City of Peabody (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 for an addition and renovation project at the William A. Welch Elementary School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) Appreciation and support of a renovation project that is cost effective; 2) Sustainable reuse of the existing building; 3) Appreciation of the District’s approach to equity; 4) District’s project cost; 5) Clarification of trauma services; 6) Further consideration of the location and intension of Special Education spaces; 7) Consideration of developing a student and parent led world language program; 8) Clarification of shared art and music spaces, size, and schedule; 9) Encouraged expansion of the District’s art and music programs, providing space; within the Welch School for potential summer and after-school programming; 10) The building’s air conditioning plans to encourage year-round programming; and, 11) The District’s intent to include two sinks in the classrooms.
MSBA staff are currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.
