The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the March 24, 2021 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Town of Randolph
Elizabeth G. Lyons Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: CHA Companies
Designer: TSKP Studios
The Town of Randolph (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 Elizabeth G. Lyons Elementary School on the existing Devine Elementary School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) The importance of plans for professional development as it relates to the proposed changes to teaching methodology; 2) Appreciation of the Educational Program; 3) Location and distribution of Special Education classrooms, and requirement of upcoming Special Education review by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; 4) Number of sinks in each classroom; 5) Amount of site dedicated to parking and location of parking relative to the building; 6) Shelter and access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; 7) Aesthetic features of the building; particularly the glazing on the gym; 8) Understanding students and their differing communication needs and styles; and 9) Consideration for a looping teaching method with grade levels to foster consistency.
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 Walpole
Bird Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Compass Project Management, Inc.
Designer: Tappe Architects, Inc.
The Town of Walpole (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 Bird Middle School and Elanor Johnson Middle School with a new district-wide grades 6-8 facility on the existing Bird Middle School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) Appreciation of the District’s Educational Program and the building layout and organization; 2) Appreciation of the transition from public spaces to the academic neighborhoods; 3) Further development of the proposed site plan and connections to the building; 4) Further development of outdoor learning areas; 5) Location of the art room relative to the auditorium for set design and transport purposes; 6) Location and distribution of Special Education classrooms, and requirement of upcoming Special Education review by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; 7) Insistence of incorporating a Central Chemical Storage Area as part of the project even as the current Educational Program limits the amount of chemicals that will be used; 8) Clarification of the world language and exploratory language programs; 9) Shelter and access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; and 10) Proposed number of parking spaces.
MSBA staff are currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.
