The following Districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the October 2, 2019 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the "MSBA") Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the "FAS") Meeting:
Town of Easton
Center Elementary School
Current Phase: Schematic Design
Owner's Project Manager: PMA Consultants, LLC
Designer: Perkins Eastman
The Town of Easton (the "District"), the Owner’s Project Manager, and design team presented an update to their Preferred Schematic which replaces the existing Center Elementary School, Moreau Hall Elementary School and Parkview Elementary Schools with a new district-wide grades PK-2 facility on the site of the existing Parkview Elementary School. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation for the updated educational program and progress of the conceptual design from the Preferred Schematic Report to the Schematic Design submittal, including the centralized common spaces, ramp concept and integration of outdoor learning spaces; 2) scheduling and safety considerations associated with the proposed main ramp; 3) circulation through the cafeteria and cafeteria serving lines relative to the proposed ramp; 4) the integration of universal design principles; 5) District’s program for financial assistance with its tuition-based Kindergarten programming; 6) opportunities for continued professional development such as the National Science Teaching Association Conference; 7) the importance of incorporating specialist instructors’ input into general classroom instruction and lesson planning; 8) staffing of the proposed makerspace; 9) the quantity and location of elevators; 10) accessibility of outdoor learning and play spaces; 11) the number of toilets on the second floor; 12) potential landscaping and maintenance costs associated with the learning and sensory courtyard; and, 13) the proposed use of hallways as program space and incorporation within the District's current schedule.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA's Board of Directors.