The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the August 7, 2019 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the "MSBA") Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the "FAS") Meeting:
Town of Leicester
Leicester Middle School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner's Project Manager: NV5 Consultants, Inc.
Designer: Finegold Alexander Architects, Inc.
The Town of Leicester (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 Leicester Primary School, Leicester Memorial Elementary School, and Leicester Middle School with a new PK-8 school facility on the existing Leicester Middle School site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) the distribution of Special Education spaces; 2) an appreciation for the District’s educational program; 3) staffing related to the Library/ Media Center; 4) efficiency of the floor plan; 5) an appreciation for the proposed outdoor learning spaces and consideration for how those spaces will be developed for different age groups; 6) the MSBA's "Review and Recommendations of Best Practices for K-12 STEM Learning Spaces" report and Staff Recommendation for 2018 Science/Technology/ Engineering Area Guidelines; 7) review of science classroom distribution to provide adjacencies with general classrooms of the same grade level; 8) parking locations and green space; 9) the relationship between the building and adjacent hardscape; 10) further development of the building facades and view of the building from the street and upon approach; and, 11) building massing and orientation.
The FAS requested that the District consider the proposed location of the first floor Special Education, Speech, and OT/PT spaces.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA's Board of Directors.
Nauset Regional School District
Nauset Regional High School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner's Project Manager: Daedalus Projects, Inc
Designer: Flansburgh Architects
The Nauset Regional 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 of an addition and renovation project at the Nauset Regional High School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) distribution and location of special education spaces; 2) an appreciation of the educational program and its integration in the proposed plans; 3) an appreciation of the open campus and involvement of the landscape architect; 4) the thoughtful integration of interior and exterior spaces, utilizing courtyards to support learning activities; 5) community outreach and support for the project; 6) circulation of the site; 7) layout and use of spaces within the student center; 8) how the proposed design allows for community use; 9) consideration to prioritize materials and reduce project costs through value engineering; 10) development of additional and unique learning opportunities; and, 11) the relationship between the District and its academic and corporate partners.
The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) the rationalization for the proposed locations of the Special Education spaces next to the Research Center; and, 2) the rationalization for the proposed locations of the Life Skills and Culinary Art spaces in proximity to the kitchen.
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 Waltham
Waltham High School
Current Phase: Schematic Design
Owner's Project Manager: NV5 Consultants, Inc.
Designer: Symmes, Maini & McKee Associates
The City of Waltham (the "District"), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an overview of the further development of its proposed project scope and budget since approval to proceed into schematic design.. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) ineligible site preparation costs and site amenities; 2) the steps taken to mitigate high construction / site costs; 3) location and use of Special Education spaces; 4) organization and elevation of the ground floor; 5) layout of the dining commons; 6) civic presence of the proposed building; 7) the addition of the portico; 8) use of the courtyards in relation to preschool programs and outdoor dining; 9) appreciation of the improvements made to the proposed layout; 10) plans for professional development; 11) plans for continuation of the former superintendent’s educational vision; and, 12) intent for public interaction for the graphic design and graphic communications programs.
The FAS requested additional information regarding: 1) the "ARC" program and its designation in the Space Summary; and, 2) labelling of Special Education space in the floor plan.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA's Board of Directors.
