Each proposal was scored based on established criteria, which led to the shortlisting of four firms for interviews. The interviews were an hour-long, allowing the committee to engage directly with representatives who would be working on the project. Ultimately, Left Field stood out due to its successful track record with local projects like Bara High School and Tings Elementary School, along with the proximity of the project manager to the area.

The committee emphasized the importance of choosing a firm with local experience and responsiveness, and Left Field LLC’s previous successful projects in nearby communities played a role in their final decision. The firm’s approach, which is tailored to meet community needs without overbuilding, was appreciated. This focus on right-sizing projects for the community and the firm’s exclusive focus on project management, rather than design, were noted as factors in their favor.

The next steps involve Left Field LLC preparing to join the committee on April 24th to discuss upcoming agendas and begin the designer selection process. Final approval from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is anticipated at their May 12th meeting. Once approved, the project will move forward with selecting a designer, with the aim to finalize this by the end of August to commence work in the new school year.