After a busy summer, the School Building Committee (SBC) is preparing for the next series of milestones in the Wellesley High School Project:
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assess preliminary cost estimates of current options |
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narrow the options to two: one renovation/addition and one all-new construction |
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MSBA update |
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~The Wellesley SBC
Evaluating Costs and Narrowing the Options
Over the next several weeks, we will be evaluating the cost information provided by the architects SMMA. There are many considerations in the preliminary cost estimates and it is imperative that we are confident in the estimates in order to make forthcoming decisions.
As the cost information becomes more solid, we plan to identify two final options: one major renovation/addition and one new construction.
Towards this end, we have directed SMMA to further develop two additional options along with cost estimates, which will then be added to the options currently under consideration. The specific direction given was as follows:
"Major Renovations and Additions" Option H:
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utilize fit-test option C as a base |
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locate classroom wing addition at existing library location |
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construct new auditorium |
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renovate existing auditorium to best use |
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locate gymnasium on 2nd floor |
"New School" Option I:
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utilize fit-test Option F as base |
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straighten classroom wing |
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consolidate footprint |
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minimize impact to Selectmen's Parcel |
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no more than two phases |
We have also directed the architects to consolidate parking as much as possible, not ruling out a parking structure, pending result of a footprint consolidation.
By narrowing the discussion to the preferred option in each of these two categories in the next few weeks, we will be better able to debate the advantages and disadvantages. Once the two options are selected, we will hold open forums to hear comments and questions from town residents.
Special Town Meeting
A Special Town Meeting is scheduled to begin on November 6th. The majority of items on the agenda are motions on zoning bylaws brought forth by the Planning Board. In addition, it is anticipated that School Committee will file a motion to approve funding for temporary classrooms at the High School.
We will be providing a Project Status Report in the Advisory Committee report to Town Meeting as part of the continuing effort to communicate progress and decisions to Town Meeting Members, Town officials and all residents.
Site Review Update
The Board of Selectmen has submitted a motion to the Warrant to Town Meeting pertaining to three properties located at 53, 55, and 57 Seaver Street. Together, these properties are surrounded by town property on three sides at the High School Site (see diagram).
In the Land Use Study and in forums this past spring, these properties were identified as posing a significant challenge to the building and site design. All options, both renovation/additions and new, currently work around these parcels.
This summer, the Board of Selectmen approached the owners about the purchase of these properties. Katherine Babson, chair of the SBC, has stated that she is hopeful that the Town will acquire these properties and is looking forward to the successful resolution of outstanding issues.
Town Meeting approval is required for any property acquisition. Further details will be provided on this motion as they emerge.
MSBA Progress
Over the summer, members of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) visited Wellesley High School twice: First to conduct an Enrollment Site Visit and Review and then for Senior Study.
The focus of the first visit was to assess overcrowding conditions with a review of projected enrollment trends. The second visit was 1) to assess the impact of the facility condition on the delivery of the Educational Program and 2) to evaluate the facility condition in terms of infrastructure.
The engagement of the MSBA in the High School Building Project is critical; every effort is being made to align the process with that which they have charted.
The MSBA has received a total of 422 requests for funding ("Statements of Interest") from Massachusetts towns. It is anticipated that they will conclude a needs assessment for each request and recommend 40 to 50 projects into the Feasibility Stage by the end of 2007.
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Summer Tour Review
The SBC will be reviewing the findings of the summer tour if ten local high school facilities.
Cynthia Westerman, member of the SBC, will lead a review of the schools visited and a discussion of the learnings.
The public is welcome to attend this meeting in the Great Hall on the Wellesley Town Hall on Tuesday, October 2nd, 7:30 pm.
Reference Articles
Learning from Others, by Cynthia Westerman, Member of the SBC. A summary of the site visits to local high schools which have recently undergone renovation and/or new construction.
For Performance or Sport: The Space Matters, by Suzanne Littlefield, School Committee and SBC Member. A summary of the School Committee decisions regarding design of the Auditorium and Gymnasium spaces to enable the WPS Educational Program.
Enabling Core Values, by the SBC. The key principles (in order of priority) to serve as the foundation for decision-making in the High School Project.
The WHS Project and You, by Katherine L. Babson, Jr., Chair of the SBC. The impact of the High School Project on each and every resident and the commitment to two-way communication.
How Public Education has evolved in Wellesley, by Bella Wong, Superintendent of the Wellesley Public Schools. How the many changes in teaching methods, state and federal mandates to education, and the importance of the extracurricular programs impact the current Educational Program.
WHS Project: The Pieces of the Puzzle, by Bella Wong, Superintendent of the Wellesley Public Schools. A summary of the physical space needed to enable the WPS Educational Program. The resulting "Architectural Educational Program" details what is included and where it is located and as such, becomes the basis for the building design.
WHS Project: The Importance of Site, by Marlene Allen, Member of the School Committee and Chair of the Interboard Land Use Working Group. A summary of the study conducted by the Land Use Working Group to assess the constraints and opportunities afforded by the land parcels adjacent to the current High School site.
SBC Members
Katherine L. Babson, Jr. BOS Representative SBC Chairman
Steve Baker Citizen-Architect
John Donahue Facilities Administrator
Tom Goemaat Citizen-Contractor
Steve Gagosian PBC Representative
Rusty Kellogg Advisory Representative
Andrew Keough High School Principal
Hans Larsen Executive Director
Suzy Littlefield School Committee Representative
Kathy Mullaney PBC Projects Administrator
Cynthia Westerman Citizen-Project Manager
Bella Wong Superintendent of Schools |
