FAQs • Longmeadow, MA • CivicEngage

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School Building Committee

1. What is Educational Visioning?: A process which brings together a large cross-section of stakeholders, residents, and educators to develop learning concepts, goals and values which result in a comprehensive, long-term planning tool for the school district. In sum, educational visioning is the cornerstone of all educational planning, and it defines the nature of school and community relations for decades to come.

2. Who facilitates and analyzes the information gathered at the visioning?: Our facilitator was Frank Locker, PhD. Dr. Locker was honored as Planner of the Year by the Council of Educational Facilities Planners International for his comprehensive planning approach, consensus building process, and state of-the-art school design. A former educator, trained facilitator, and registered architect, Frank bases his approach on research in effective learning. For more information on Mr. Locker, please visit his website.

3. How does the visioning tie into the building project?: Please see our Educational Visioning page.

4. What determines addition/ renovation vs. new?: Please see our Renovations Vs. New Facilities page

5. Will the community have an opportunity to review and provide input on the options/alternatives or just the School Building Committee?: Yes! The purpose of the public forums was to present the options to the residents and solicit feedback. Community input is essential in order for the SBC to make informed decisions! The forums were designed for residents to speak up and ask questions.

We will listen to your ideas and find the best and most cost-effective, long-term solution that meets the teaching and learning goals of Longmeadow. If you were unable to attend a forum, the slides/options have been posted.

The School Building Committee will be voting on the final recommendation on September 30, 2009.

6. Will the town be able to vote before a decision is made?: No, the town does not make the decision on new vs. renovation nor is the town able to vote on multiple options. There is only one vote — by the School Building Committee (SBC). This is set by statute and is incorporated into the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) regulations. The MSBA has strict guidelines regarding this process and it is a highly regulated partnership with municipalities. Please have confidence that SBC will incorporate your comments into the options.

7. Who determines the solution?: The School Board Committee is charged with determining 2 options to present to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), and the MSBA then makes the final decision.

8. Will there be traffic or land changes in the final solution?: Possibly, depending on the option chosen. Some concerns to be studied include the crossing of Bliss Road, innovative solutions with courtyards, reducing the length of travel within the school and providing more usable field space.

9. Are we still considering a Model School solution?: Yes, if new construction is determined to be the best long term solution, then we will be weighing the benefits and costs of both a new building and a model school. There are currently 3 Massachusetts School Building Authority “Model Schools”, Hudson, Ashland and Whitman-Hanson. We are reviewing the flexibility of the plans and are comparing them against our educational programming needs.

10. What is the difference between the Kaestle Boos Facility Study and the current on-going Feasibility Study?: The KBA facilities study was designed as a high-level review of the existing conditions of the high school. This study served as the basis for the information provided on the Statements of Interest submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) in July of 2007.

The MSBA reviewed the KBA study and determined it was lacking in several key areas needed to determine building needs including: forensic, structural, mechanical, geotechnical, and educational visioning, to just name a few.

11. If a renovation option if chosen, where will students go?: If a renovation is chosen, it will be “phased” in order for students to remain in as many classrooms as possible during the construction. Modular classrooms will most likely be used to house displaced students. Both of these issues cost additional money, take significantly more time and the additional costs for swing space are not reimbursable from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Therefore, these additional costs will be taken into the consideration as part of the costs of renovation.

12. What are the potential sites and locations for a new building?: The most likely site is in and around the current location. Any site being considered must be “shovel ready”, meaning the location must be free of any conservation, environmental, zoning, etc. issues. Other site considerations would require a significant amount of work to get ready and may be subject to the above considerations.

13. What constitutes a renovation?: Renovations can range from large repair projects to complete gut, demolition and addition options.

14. How much will this project cost?: The overall costs will depend on the option chosen. Both immediate building costs and long-term maintenance/utility costs will be taken into consideration as part of the project costs. Estimated costs will be determined as the project options are further defined and a preferred solution is determined.

More clearly defined costs will be developed through the schematic design portion of the feasibility study. These costs will then be shared with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to be used as a basis for the project funding agreement between the state and the town.

15. What percentage of the costs will be covered by the MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority)?: Please see our Project Reimbursements page

16. Given the economy, why don’t we wait until things improve before entering into this project?: We recognize that the economy is sluggish; however, the sluggish economy actually makes this is an ideal time to move forward with the project, interest rates on bonds are low and construction costs are at an all-time low. We will get “more for our money” in this down market.

17. While it may seem ideal due to a sluggish economy, what is the harm in waiting a few years?: Please see our Project Importance page.

18. What costs/expenses are categorically ineligible for reimbursement or payment by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA)?: Please see our Nonreimbursable Project Costs page.