The following district presented on the progress of their proposed project at the January 17, 2024 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Town of Burlington
Fox Hill Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Dore & Whittier Management Partners, Inc.
Designer: DiNisco Design, Inc.
The Town of Burlington (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 as part of its Invitation to Feasibility Study. This is to replace the existing Fox Hill Elementary School with a new facility serving kindergarten through grade 5 on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: appreciation for the District’s Educational Program, including the incorporation of professional development, participation in the LABBB Collaborative, use of tutors and integration of reading with math and science curricula; distribution of Special Education spaces and DESE submittal process; proposed location of handicap parking and sheltered access to the building for individuals with limited mobility at the main entrance, gymnasium and bus drop-off area; plans for phased construction on site while the existing facility remains in use; location of proposed outdoor play areas and access to the building for emergency vehicles; suggestion for considering buffer zones between neighborhood schools; potential opportunities to introduce world language program at elementary level; the view of the building from the street and upon approach; orientation of the gymnasium; appreciation of the simple and efficient building layout; and, opportunities to utilize wetlands and vernal pool for outdoor learning and further develop indoor/outdoor connections as the design progresses.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.
