The following districts presented on the progress of their proposed projects at the May 20, 2020 Massachusetts School Building Authority (the "MSBA") Facilities Assessment Subcommittee (the “FAS”) Meeting:
Groton-Dunstable Regional School District
Florence Roche Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner's Project Manager: Leftfield
Designer: Studio G Architects
The Groton-Dunstable 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 to replace the existing Florence Roche Elementary School with a new facility serving grades K-4on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) appreciation of the educational program; 2) distribution of the Special Education spaces, and further exploration of Special Education adjacencies; 3) consideration of proposed staffing and time allotment for the innovation lab spaces; 4) the maintenance and use of project areas; 5) further alignment of the Proposed Project and educational program; 6) orientation of the building; 7) consideration of number and location of access points to outdoor learning spaces; 8) importance of alignment between the landscape and the educational program; 9) appreciation of outdoor STEM spaces; 10) development of outdoor learning spaces; and, 11) further development of corridors and project areas.
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 Ashland
David Mindess Elementary School
Current Phase: Feasibility Study
Owner's Project Manager: Compass Project Management
Designer: Flansburgh Architects
The Town of Ashland (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 David Mindess Elementary School with a new facility serving grades 3-5 on the existing site. The FAS, MSBA staff, and the District discussed: 1) Appreciation of the Educational Program, alignment with the Preferred Schematic, and the movement towards Project Based Learning; 2) the location and number of larger doors near the outdoor learning spaces and music rooms for access to students and maintenance of the spaces; 3) consideration for FM sound assistance throughout the building; 4) appreciation of the music program; 5) appreciation for the use and maintenance of the proposed STEAM space and its adjacency to the media center; 6) location of toilet rooms; 7) location of Special Education classrooms; 8) appreciation for the integration of the building and site; 9) consideration of proximity of the service road to mature woodlands; 10) appreciation for the continuation of landscape design, including integrating nature both outside and inside the building; and, 11) appreciation for the courtyard.
MSBA staff are currently working with the District to reach a mutually agreeable solution to recommend to the MSBA's Board of Directors.