We are pleased to announce that we have reached a tentative agreement with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) on the Wellesley High School Building Project: A 280,000 square foot, one phase, all-new construction project.
We are excited by this latest development and the progress it represents. We are confident that the project scope and plan will enable the Educational Program at a manageable cost to the town and to the Commonwealth.
The Wellesley School Building Committee
Balancing Reimbursement and Program
The tentative agreement outlines a project of 280,000 square feet of new construction and design costs of $100 - $110 million. Of this amount, MSBA will provide for reimbursement of approximately $40 - $44 million.
The project plan calls for reduction in square footage from 327,000 to 280,000. The School Committee has reviewed and approved the change to the Educational Specification. The reduction in square footage was achieved by:
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Reducing Auditorium seating from 800 to 600; |
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Reducing classroom size from 850 to 800 square feet. The number of classrooms remains unchanged from the HUB specification; |
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Eliminating the elevated indoor running track (which has the potential to be funded with privately raised funds); |
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Eliminating the student union; |
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Reducing the size of the fitness center and athletic locker rooms; |
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Plus several other smaller consolidations, reductions, and eliminations of spaces. |
To reduce or eliminate these items was a difficult decision as we remain steadfast in our position that the former project scope effectively and efficiently met the needs of Wellesley High School today and into the future. However, it was without question fiscally prudent to pursue reimbursement from the state. In order to do so, we worked with the MSBA to find the best compromise. We are confident that the final reductions in project scope yield the least impact on the Educational Program delivery and future flexibility.
The resulting project is the best balance between fiscal responsibility and commitment to the WPS Educational Program today and into the future.
The Coming Weeks
Over the coming weeks we will be working closely with the architects to develop detailed project plans and designs. Our goal is to bring schematic designs and estimates to a Special Town Meeting in October. Upon approval from Town Meeting, a question would be brought to the voters of Wellesley in early December.
Therefore, we plan to provide for opportunities for public review, comments and questions. We will keep you apprised of meeting dates over the course of the summer via this newsletter.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 22 at 7:30 pm in the Great Hall, Town Hall. We intend to set our schedule for the next couple of months and we will provide you with the information so you can continue to follow the progress of the project. This is a rapidly moving stage to meet the one year escalation parameter. We look to all citizens to follow this closely.
We thank the many, many people who have continued to provide input and suggestions over the last few weeks. While the pace has been rapid, it has been necessary to move forward. We are confident the progress to date has been in the best interests of Wellesley residents of today and into the future.
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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
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