The committee’s engagement with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) was a focal point of the meeting. A detailed overview of the recent MSBA meeting highlighted the introduction of Studio G Architects and the roles they will play in the project. The submission schedule for the PDP was a key topic, with the committee expressing concerns about the tight timeline and the workload required to meet the MSBA’s submission dates. The implications of this schedule were debated, including the possibility of a special town meeting in the fall to vote on the project.

To tackle the issues related to the PDP and ensure compliance with public meeting requirements, the committee deliberated on the formation of subcommitories. The proposed subcommittees are expected to handle specific aspects of the project, such as building design options, site testing, and the educational program. The committee approved the creation of a design site selection subcommittee with five members and considered additional subcommittees for finance and community outreach and communications.

The importance of incorporating feedback from the community into the building design was underscored during the meeting. The committee discussed the need for a community survey to gather insights and concerns, which will be conducted via a Google survey. The visioning and programming process was also brought to the table, with committee members sharing their impressions from tours of different schools to gather ideas for the new school’s design.

A presentation on the evaluation criteria for choosing a design was given, providing a structured approach for decision-making. The committee pondered the potential impact of these criteria and the importance of considering various design elements and community input.

As the project progresses, the committee is focused on finalizing and publishing a community survey, with a deadline set for August 2nd. Discussions on how to gather feedback anonymously and the use of a QR code were part of the conversation, alongside the idea of creating a project website. A debate emerged over the investigation of an alternative site near the middle school, weighing the need for consideration against concerns about land competition and the value of a detailed study.