Based on recent input and consultation with the MSBA, the Wellesley School Building Committee (SBC) has approved a revised project. The revised plan is an all-new construction school of 280,000 square feet based on Whitman-Hanson Regional High School as a model.
The School Committee has also approved the revised project and is currently assessing ways to accommodate the educational program. Two meetings are scheduled for next week to review and finalize a revised program (see below for details).
The Wellesley School Building Committee
Project Plan Revised
Over the last two weeks, the SBC and Representative Alice Peisch have been engaged in a very productive dialogue with the MSBA about a modified version of an all-new construction building project.
The result is a preliminary agreement which provides for a 280,000 square foot all-new facility (as compared to the 313,000 square feet of the "HUB"). The MSBA has also been working to establish a "Model School Concept" to facilitate the design and planning of high school buildings. For Wellesley, the model being adopted by the MSBA is Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, which was completed July 2005. For more details on Whitman-Hanson, click here.
While the Whitman-Hanson facility will not fit on our site given its shape, it is a good example of efficient use of materials and systems. Further, Whitman-Hanson is a "green school".
The all-new project is estimated to cost approximately the same as the June renovation/addition design which the MSBA has recently proposed; specific details will be provided after a more complete analysis.
Next Steps, July/August
We toured Whitman-Hanson last summer and again this week and will be gathering the information necessary to develop a revised project design in the next few weeks. We will provide updates via this newsletter to enable the opportunity for public input.
The MSBA Board will be meeting in early August to review pending projects. We are hopeful that the revised WHS Building Project will be reviewed at that time.
In tandem, School Committee and WPS Administration will be reviewing how best to meet the educational program in the prescribed square footage. Two meetings are scheduled and citizen input is encouraged at both.
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Monday, July 14 at 8:00pm (Wellesley Police Station). The Administration will make initial recommendations to School Committee. |
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Wednesday, July 16 at 7:00pm (Juliani Room, Town Hall). School Committee to vote on where the revised overall square footage will be allocated in the new high school building. |
We are confident these recent advancements are moving us forward toward the optimal project for Wellesley residents and for the state in terms of both the educational program and the investment of the taxpayers. As always your input is welcome and appreciated. |
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Reference Articles
Recently added:
A Building Project Decision, by Katherine L. Babson, Jr., Chair of SBC. A summary of the recent decision by the SBC to pursue a High School Building Project based on the "Hub:" option, an all-new construction project.
Moving Forward: MSBA meets with SBC, by Katherine L. Babson, Jr. Chair of the SBC . A summary of the initial meeting (2/28/08) with the MSBA on the Wellesley High School Building Project.
The WHS Project: A Principal's Perspective, by Andrew Keough, Wellesley High School Principal and SBC Member. Insights into how a high school building is integral to the learning experience, effective curriculum delivery and a student's sense of well-being.
WHS: a 50-year Solution, Physically and Functionally, by Tom Goemaat, Member of SBC. While the physical building must be built to last 50 years, it must also be functional for as long. This article provides a summary of why past proposals have failed to meet both objectives and why there really is no "low cost" option.
Reality Check on the WHS Building, by Steve Gagosian, Member of the SBC and Permanent Building Committee. A cursory look at the condition of the WHS physical plant and state of the systems and structures.
Building for the future, by Tom Goemaat, Member of the SBC. A preliminary cost evaluation of the High School options, including the critical factors and variables which impact costs.
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. Selectmen Representative SBC Chairman
Steve Baker Citizen-Architect
Tom Goemaat Citizen-Contractor
Steve Gagosian Permanent Building Committee (PBC) Representative
David Mooney Advisory Committee Representative
Andrew Keough High School Principal
Hans Larsen Town Executive Director
Suzy Littlefield School Committee Representative
Kathy Mullaney PBC Projects Administrator
Cynthia Westerman Citizen-Project Manager
Bella Wong Superintendent of Schools |
