The following district presented on the progress of their proposed project at the July 31, 2024, Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District
Cutler Elementary School
Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: PMA Consultants
Designer: JCJ Architecture
The Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District, the Owner’s Project Manager, and the 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 Cutler Elementary School with a new facility serving 740 students in grades 1 – 5 on the site of the existing school. MSBA staff has reviewed the Feasibility Study and accepts the District’s Preferred Schematic. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed the following: appreciation of the District’s thoughtful Educational Program and responses to MSBA comments; the importance of professional development and opportunities to implement proposed changes to teaching methodology in preparation for the transition to a new facility; importance of continued input from educators and facilities staff as the design develops; distribution of Special Education spaces and DESE submittal process; site constraints and associated considerations including incorporation of geothermal wells, constructability, phasing, permitting and potential schedule impacts; location of proposed outdoor learning areas and intended use of the roof terrace; the project team’s experience with geothermal systems including providing life cycle cost analysis; available information, resources, and tax credits associated with geothermal systems; considerations associated with consolidation of elementary schools including maintaining small neighborhood scale, sharing resources and school culture; civic presence and view of the proposed building upon approach; building massing and site drainage; indoor/outdoor connections and placement of windows and doors where sight lines may be impacted by site topography; access to outdoor spaces for students with limited mobility; and sound assistance and providing shading for outdoor play areas.
