The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the September 20, 2023 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”) Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Town of Berkley
Berkley Community School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: PMA Consultants, LLC
Designer: Taylor & Burns, Inc
The Town of Berkley (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 Berkley Community School with a new facility serving pre-kindergarten through grade 4 on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: building orientation on the site; appreciation of the proposed simple and logical building design; the character of the proposed building and opportunities to add playful elements for young learners; site development and opportunities to further define outdoor learning spaces; appreciation of the District’s educational program and its inclusion of educators in the process; sheltered access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; transparency of the building and media center; consideration of looping for first and second grades; location and use of the proposed breakout spaces and hallway spaces as gathering points; existing drainage challenges and stormwater management considerations within the proposed plan; and, the District’s request to be considered as part of the MSBA’s Model School Program.
MSBA staff is currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.
Town of Dedham
Oakdale Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner’s Project Manager: The Vertex Companies, LLC
Designer: Jonathan Levi Architects LLC
The Town of Dedham (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 Oakdale Elementary School and Greenlodge Elementary School with a new facility serving students in grades 1-5 on the existing Oakdale Elementary school site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: appreciation of the updates to the Educational Program and responses to comments; the importance of professional development as it relates to the proposed changes to teaching methodology, particularly as it relates to project based learning; sheltered access to the building for individuals with limited mobility; opportunities to develop indoor/outdoor connections; ongoing traffic study and further development of the proposed site plan; site circulation and the proposed safety access lane; location of the gym and the proposed parking areas; the existing 1902 facility; clarification of the massing of the proposed building; and, opportunities to simplify the design for constructability and management of construction costs.
MSBA staff are currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA’s Board of Directors.