The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the November 13, 2019 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the "MSBA") Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the "FAS") Meeting:
City of Gloucester
East Gloucester Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: CBRE/Heery, Inc.
Designer: Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.
The City of Gloucester (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 East Gloucester Elementary School and Veterans Memorial School with a new combined facility serving grades K-5 on the existing Veterans Memorial School site, contingent upon the District gaining full ownership, control, and exclusive use of the site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation of the proposed layout; 2) the relationship between the extended and outdoor learning areas, and use of those spaces; 3) the importance of/ Plans for professional development as it relates to the proposed merging of teaching methodologies; 4) appreciation of the Educational Program; 5) appreciation of the distribution of special education spaces; 6) appreciation of site selection; 7) consideration of noise and air quality testing; 8) consideration of storage solutions and display areas within classrooms; 9) consideration of air conditioning; 10) internet accessibility; 11) gardening program; 12) safety and security; 13) staffing related to the Library/ Media Center; 14) consideration of the number and layout of toilet facilities in public spaces; 15) considerations regarding healthy materials for furniture and furnishings; 16) opportunities for collaborative purchasing; 17) consideration of site drainage; and, 18) project cost.
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 Springfield
DeBerry Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Skanska USA Building, Inc.
Designer: DiNisco Design, Inc.
The City of Springfield (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 with a new facility that consolidates students from the existing DeBerry and Homer Street Elementary Schools on the site of the existing DeBerry Elementary School that will serve students in grades PK-5. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation for the educational program and its relation to the proposed building layout; 2) timeline and procedure associated with the Article 97 land disposition; 3) potential opportunities for integrating world languages and culture into the curriculum; 4) proposed use of the Title I spaces; 5) appreciation for efficient use of the site; 6) considerations associated with stormwater management and drainage; 7) building scale; 8) opportunities for collaborative purchasing of FF&E; 9) considerations regarding healthy materials for furniture and furnishings; and, 10) project costs.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.
