Frequently Asked Questions
Please email Paul Kalous with any questions regarding to the Lexington Multiple Schools Project. Email to: PaulKalous@hillintl.com
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Q&A from Elementary School Public Forum Dated June 3, 20151. The wetlands line shown on the Bowman plan shows the setback, not the actual wetlands.- Everything on the site is jurisdictional and will be handled accordingly. 2. At the Bridge School, you are adding 2 classrooms and a music room?- We are showing the addition of a 2 gen education classrooms, one of which is a Kindergarten classroom, 1 Special Education classroom and an Art/Music room for a total of 4 spaces. 3. If there is an addition off the end of the building at Bridge, would some trees need to be cut down?- This has not yet been evaluated given the early stages of the project, but it is a possibility as the concepts are developed and further investigations are completed. 4. How many bathrooms for each gender will be added?- A code analysis is currently in process that may result in the addition of 1-2 bathrooms for boys and 1-2 bathrooms for girls to meet the updated occupancy requirements. This increase would result in 10 bathrooms for boys and 10 for girls. 5. Are there plans to replace the play spaces that may be impacted by construction?- We will first address the code requirements and then move on to impacts and plans for the play spaces. The concepts being shown are the only options that work for Bridge and Bowman. 6. Will the additional bathrooms apply to both Bridge and Bowman?- Yes, the changes will apply at both schools. 7. It looks as though there is more space being added at Bridge than originally planned.- The dollars associated with the Bridge School in the consensus plan include the special education space that will be added at Bridge. There have been slightly more funds available to the Bridge project in order to meet the special education space needs. 8. How many pre-fabricated units will be added to Bowman?- The preferred concept shows the addition of 3 prefabricated spaces. 9. Do all of the elementary schools have to be 24 classrooms?- The plan includes 24 general education classrooms per elementary school. This does not include special education or programs such as Art and Music. This will provide adequate sized general education classrooms and more Art/Music space in order to minimize overcrowding. 10. Does the concept of adding 24 classrooms come from the expectation of having 4 classes per grade? How does this work out when the third grade has 5 classes?- The classroom quantity was arrived at by looking at the median pattern. The District is currently short space for 500 students from PreK through high school. 11. I am concerned that taking the existing modular units out will make the school shy of 2 general education classrooms, especially given the growing ELL program.The only fact at this time is that classrooms via prefabricated buildings are going to be added. Removing the existing modulars is a goal, but this will not happen if it does not make sense for the school and program. We do not know the answer to that question at this time. There is a meeting in July for which our task is to gather more substantial information and gather public input, as well as gather data and cost information regarding the impacts to the taxpayers. This meeting will determine what projects are going forward and no decisions will be made until that time. The same group that developed the consensus plan will participate in this meeting and develop another consensus plan identifying how we plan to move forward. School Committee will meet prior to Summit. 12. I have heard talk about moving the PreK out of the Harrington School. What are the implications to Bridge and Bowman when going forward with some of these plans if PreK is moved out of Harrington?- If the PreK classrooms at Harrington can be moved out to a separate, stand alone location, this would take the pressure off Bridge and Bowman as far as student distribution. For the most part, this would mostly impact Harrington at this time, as it will add capacity to Harrington. 13. At the BOS meeting Monday, there was talk about availability of classrooms at Harrington that might mean expansion to the other schools might not be necessary.- We have been asked to look at this concept in response to that question. We are looking at 5 elementary schools and 2 middle schools, all with different challenges and concepts. 14. Based on school master plan completed a few months ago, it is understood that 8 of 9 of our schools are over capacity. We have a PreK, ES and MS problem. Public Facilities, Design Team, SC are currently working on how we can improve this over the next 5 years.- The information is very fluid and constantly changing as investigations are ongoing. We still have a very overall vision of what needs to be done and are not into the details yet. Ken: we also do not have detailed surveys on every site completed. 15. Would the play area relocation/improvement at Fiske also be completed for the next school year? How much of the site would be impacted?- Play area would need to be completed. We are also recommending other improvements to parking, drop off and bus access which may take place after the units are in place. We not only have to replace the space that the building will be taking over, but also provided improvements. 16. The prefab units at Fiske will stay if a bricks and mortar addition was done in the future?- The prefab units that would be added are the same as the ones at the high school, as opposed to the ones at Diamond and Hastings. 17. In order to get a hallway through to the prefab units, one of the Kindergarten classes may have to be made smaller. Is this something that would be completed over the summer when kids are not there?- Yes. We have several options for how to use the space in order to not diminish existing Kindergarten spaces. Work to be completed on existing structure would be completed during off hours or during the summer. Educational programs will not be displaced. 18. What types of materials can we expect for these units?- We do not have any hard facts regarding the exact materials. Exterior building materials could be any number of materials, including brick or metal. The performance of these units will include energy efficiency and the same heating and ventilation system as existing building. 19. We are adding a special education classroom, but is not counted towards a general education. If we have high enrollment, would this space be able to turn into a general education classroom?- Concerned that this space would make it tempting to change the use of this space. 20. Would the special education addition at Bowman and the other schools be sufficient to run the current programs or is this more of a band aid?- We are looking at all of the programs that need attention, while maintaining the big picture of the project and the district. We have been directed to keep the concepts simple and in line with the consensus plan. The consensus plan includes information related to the enrollment increase over the next 5 years. The current plan includes a flexible plan by adding classroom capacity in the short term with prefabricated space and in the meantime discuss concepts for future additions for growing enrollment. The new Hastings project will also create more space, which will take several years. The studies occurring at this time will give the policy makers the information and options they need to provide children with the proper education without too much of a burden financially. 21. Clarification:Bricks and Mortar at Fiske is being investigated for the future expansion, not to happen now. 22. Your current schedule shows bricks and mortar additions at Diamond. Is bricks and mortar at Clarke out of the question?- MS forum will occur next Wednesday at Diamond. Showing options at both middle schools for consideration. Work at Clarke is not out of the question. 23. How much do the prefabs for Bridge and Bowman cost?- We do not have a cost estimate yet. The constructed cost estimate from the SMMA study was roughly $3 million for the three spaces. 24. Would make me feel more comfortable to know that extra space at schools will be filled.- School Committee noted they would like to be around 90% capacity at this time in order to allow for flexibility & growth, but could also be in a position to be building too quickly and this impacts taxpayers. Enrollment working group projection at the midpoint would mean 1 extra classroom at each school in 5 years. |
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Q&A from Hastings School Public Forum Dated May 12, 20151. Has there been a traffic study been done in the neighborhood and if so, has this been made available to the neighbors?
2. Can the neighbors have more notice for public meetings?
3. You mentioned you have submitted an Statement of Interest (SOI) with the MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority), but you are still moving forward with Feasibility. What happens if the project is not supported by the MSBA?
4. Parent of LCP and Hastings: I know there are advantages to keeping LCP as part of an elementary school, as far as sharing core facilities, but I am concerned with the very small lot and the limitations of the lot, including the wetlands. Having LCP could compromise outdoor space on this site.
5. What does increased size at the elementary schools mean for Middle School enrollment?
6. Given that Hastings is currently the smallest elementary school in the district at this time but may become one of the larger schools, can you describe philosophical design ideas to maintain the character of the site?
7. When discussing the idea of improving the layout for queuing of cars, we also want to be sure that the safety of students walking is taken into consideration.
8. Recommendation: In discussing the idea of replicating Estabrook, there is the idea of the Architect’s perception of how the space works versus the user’s perception of how the space is used. Would like to have a user space study on flow regarding what is working in a new school such as Estabrook, and what is not working to factor into this project. Students have to be main consideration.
9. Because of the larger sized school being designed, I’m seeing a lot of paving. Are there thoughts to include green roofs or other green components?
10. Is there anything we could do to discourage having so much pavement in lieu of green areas? Want to discourage driving to school versus walking or biking.
11. Are noise levels for the outdoor space, for example the proximity to the expressway, being taken into consideration as far as mitigating the noise?
12. Observation: Many people are asking about green space/parking/play space. It would be useful if comparison charts were provided to show the number of parking spaces that exist on each school site throughout the district, and what the thought process is when determining the target amount of parking space for each scenario. We would also with play space and SF per student/individual using the space.
13. Where is the Worthen Road site located?
14. Important going forward to understand the costs associated with various options, even though we do not have this information right now. We would like to have a breakdown of what factors are going into the estimated costs.
15. Location for preschool is mentioned at 4 locations. Is the Harrington site still being considered for this space?
16. Are we considering geothermal heating/AC systems? Solar panels?
17. I am concerned about the amount of playground space.
18. Lighting is a concern if this were to be a 3-story building, as lights could be shining down on neighbors.
19. When power goes out at school, neighbors can hear emergency generator. Also can hear trash compactor. Will this be taken into consideration?
20. I heard project is going to take 4-5 years. If this is going to take that long, my child will graduate by the time the school is finished. Is there a way to accelerate the pace?
21. Will a study be completed for the green space in comparison to paved space?
22. I am concerned about this building lasting for the next 4-5 years. I am told there is mold in the building that hasn’t been tested, which is a concern. We would like to see testing done and be assured the building and modulars will survive the next 4-5 years.
23. Does it make sense to have our school be the largest school in the district if the site does not look that big?
24. Could we go to a 4-story building and put an underground garage?
25. I understand why we need to have a bigger Hastings, but after looking at plans, I am against having LCP here. I feel there is a lack of fields on the plans being shown.
26. Suggestions: Think about kids walking and area for parents to pick up kids safely. One special thing about Hastings is that we have an all school meeting and we are fortunate to have a gym large enough. Would like this in a new building.
27. Mentioned that most of the elementary schools are at capacity and these kids will eventually end up at the High School. Is there something being done to plan for this?
28. How will the School Committee make decisions on June 16 if all information will not be available until the end of June?
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Q&A from Elementary School Public Forum Dated May 5, 20151. Why would pre-fabricated buildings be the solution at Fiske, rather than bricks & mortar?
2. Why would pre-fabricated buildings be the solution at Fiske, rather than bricks & mortar?
3. If you start with pre-fabricated buildings at Fiske, does that eliminate the ability for bricks & mortar later?
4. Is there an immediate plan for the existing modular buildings?
5. Would there be an additional cost to purchase the Laconia site if this was the desired location for the Pre-K?
6. Would the Laconia site accommodate projection enrollment growth if chosen for the Pre-K?
7. How many classrooms would the new Pre-K house?
8. None of the streets around Laconia have sidewalks. Will this be addressed?
9. When considering Worthen Street as a potential location for the Pre-K, are the long term needs of the high school being considered?
10. What is the latest date to decide on pre-fabricated buildings for September 2016?
11. Are there preliminary ideas regarding improvements of core spaces at Harrington?
12. Has this design team built a school that has more than 30 general classrooms?
13. Are there additional layers to the idea of moving the Pre-K at Harrington?
14. Will parking and traffic be addressed at Harrington?
15. Is the goal to have 24 classrooms at all of the elementary schools?
16. Will the modular spaces be used as overflow as discussed in the SMMA study?
17. How close are we to the 24 classroom goal at Fiske without the pre-fabricated buildings?
18. At what point do we address the High School if the Elementary and Middle Schools enrollments are continuing to grow?
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Q&A from Middle School Public Forum Dated May 4, 20151. Would the proposed addition at Clarke allow for the option to add a third floor in the future?
2. Could a 3-story addition occur above the gymnasium? (Clarke)
3. Has the idea of a multi-building campus been entertained for the Middle Schools?
4. Could you please provide a description of the bus circulation and the proposed improvements? (Clarke)
5. If the plan is possible to use pre-fabricated buildings temporarily, why not use modular buildings?
6. Is there a point at which the smaller additions could impose limitations to the existing core spaces?
7. Can the wetlands be moved?
8. Could Diamond have a 3-story addition?
9. Could seating in the cafeteria be added at another floor level? (Diamond)
10. Could the courtyard be enclosed to create an interior space? (Diamond)
11. Does room sharing impact education?
12. It has been mentioned that Clarke is being considered for temporary buildings, but Diamond is being considered for more permanent additions. Does this interrupt the elementary school flow?
13. How many floors would the pre-fabricated buildings be?
14. What are the parameters for achieving parity between the schools?
15. What is the lifespan of the existing buildings?
16. What is the lifespan of the 6 existing pre-fabricated buildings at Diamond?
17. Will additions at Diamond be pushed out if it is a bricks and mortar addition?
18. Is there a large enrollment increase at Clarke?
19. How will the flow in the hallway at Clarke be impacted with the higher enrollment?
20. How does moving forward with the project work if money has not yet been appropriated?
21. Is it more expensive for a bricks & mortar addition or the pre-fabricated buildings?
22. How long does it take to install the pre-fabricated buildings?
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