The most pressing news from the meeting is the completion of the eligibility phase deliverables for the Medford Comprehensive High School project. The committee reported that the City Council had approved an earmark of $3 million to fund the feasibility study, a critical step that has been accepted by the MSBA. Furthermore, the committee has submitted several critical documents to the MSBA, including an educational profile, a chapter 74 form for expanded program studies, an enrollment projection, and maintenance and capital planning documents. The submission of these documents marks the completion of the eligibility phase and sets the stage for the next phase of the project, which involves forming a selection committee to hire an owner’s project manager (OPM) and eventually secure an architect.

The enrollment projection document submitted is particularly notable as it included comprehensive data on local housing development plans, which will influence the certified enrollment number for sizing the new building. Additionally, the maintenance and capital planning submission required extensive data, including job descriptions of maintenance staff and budget explanations.

Next steps for the committee include entering module two of the MSBA process, which is focused on assembling a project team. The committee has been urged to familiarize themselves with the requirements for this next phase, which will include procuring an OPM and preparing for the selection of an architect.

The committee has also cancelled the August 14th full committee meeting, opting instead for the Communications and Community Engagement Subcommittee to meet at that time. This subcommittee will work on collecting FAQs from residents and surveying boards and commissions to enhance community involvement in the project.