The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the September 27, 2023 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Town of Scituate
Hatherly Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: The Vertex Companies, LLC.
Designer: Dore + Whittier Architects, Inc.
The Town of Scituate (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 proceed into Schematic Design to replace the existing Hatherly Elementary School and Cushing Elementary School with a new facility serving students in pre-kindergarten through grade 5 on the existing Hatherly Elementary School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: appreciation of the updated Educational Program and the District’s responses to comments; explanation of the location of the building in relation to the flood plain, neighboring residential properties, site topography, and associated drainage considerations; site circulation and location of PK parking and drop-off; the location of accessible drop-off and parking and accessibility of front plaza; sheltered access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; clarification associated with the location, use, and number of the elevators; the proposed locations of the Media Center and Administration Offices; clarification of how the Media Center will be staffed and operated; adaptive PE and opportunities to provide partial separation for students while the gym is in use; use and maintenance of the proposed courtyards; the building’s orientation and how it may impact material choices for the facade; distribution of Special Education spaces and DESE submittal process; appreciation of the site plan and illustration of landscape zones; maintenance considerations for trails and outdoor learning areas as well as opportunities to use hardscape, raised planters and turf; intentional design and use of the proposed breakout spaces and considerations for younger learners, such as supervision; and, benefits for the design team of working with the District to understand and incorporate feedback from their previous building project.
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 Stoughton
South Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: The Vertex Companies, LLC.
Designer: Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc.
The Town of Stoughton (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 proceed into Schematic Design for a project that proposes to consolidate the student population of the existing South Elementary School and the Richard L. Wilkins Elementary School and construct a new facility serving grades K-5 on an alternative site referred to as the “Line Lumber” site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: appreciation of the updated Educational Program and the District’s responses to comments, particularly regarding the integration of curriculum areas; site constraints and circulation; access to the building for emergency vehicles including use of hardscape and structural pavement in northwest corner; sheltered access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; intentional design and use of the proposed breakout spaces and considerations for younger learners, such as supervision; appreciation of the overall building design and layout, benefits of the building geometry such as opportunities for connections to outdoor learning spaces that are within the proposed emergency access lane; intentional use and programming of central open space (lobby) as the design progresses; clarification of the proposed use of the “learning “stairs”; STEM as a space for all students to learn and be part of everyday life and experience; appreciation of the collaborative spaces on the north and west wings, consideration of work surface materials and utilities access; considerations associated with the integration and implementation of project based learning; distribution of Special Education spaces and DESE submittal process; and, thoughtful outreach to families to ensure access to items that may be costly, including internet, musical instruments and other resources.
MSBA staff are currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.