The following district presented on the progress of their proposed project at the January 18, 2023 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: Dore + Whittier Management Partners, Inc.
Designer: Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc.
The Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical 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 to proceed into Schematic Design to replace the existing Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School facility with a new facility on the site of the existing school. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: appreciation of the Educational Program; appreciation for attempting to integrate Vocational Technical programs with academic programs in the proposed design and providing opportunities to further encourage collaboration by selectively identifying a double classroom on each floor that could open to connect with academic space; the relationship between academic and vocational teachers; the role of teachers and counselors in preparing students for job placement and opportunities to engage job coaches for students who may need additional support; engagement of students and teachers both vocationally and academically in all phases of the design and construction of the new building, particularly involving academic teachers and encouraging student creative writing, blogging and podcasting; considerations for drainage and stormwater management for future impact to residential neighborhoods with climate change; access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; further development of the proposed two main entrances and use of a common sloped walkway, as well as opportunities to incorporate universal design principles; sheltered access to the building for everyone; use and maintenance of the proposed courtyard, and opportunities to connect the courtyard with the student commons and dining area as the heart of the school; the location and use of the flexible auditorium (“expotorium”); the District’s intent for having the Design Visual Program as part of the existing programs and not a separate new program; distribution of Special Education program spaces and the DESE submittal process; and opportunities for site development for outdoor learning.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.