Regional School Building Subcommitte Notes School Building Project Update: June - August 2005
9/12/2005
In June, the Manchester Essex Regional School Committee accepted the recommendation of the School Building Subcommittee (SBC) and selected the “Combined Site” as the site for the new Middle/High School. The “Combined Site” is a combination of the current Middle/High School property and the Manchester Memorial Elementary School property.
The SBC was directed to have its consultants further investigate the site in order to confirm that the entire program - both academic and athletic - as well as parking and possible expansion space can fit. The SBC was also asked to begin an analysis of the needs of all elementary schools in the District.
In July, the SBC reviewed the draft of the “Renewable Energy Feasibility Study” presented by Mount Vernon Group and SAR Engineering, Inc. This report was completed with monies from a Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Grant obtained by the previous building subcommittee. This report studied the possible use of photovoltaics (solar electricity) and geothermal heat for the proposed building.
The SBC also reviewed the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (MA-CHPS) Scorecard, which pinpoints ways new buildings can meet the standards of “green design” and high performance schools. This is part of the SBC’s focus on reducing operating costs of any new facilities and improving indoor air quality.
At its meeting on September 8th, the SBC reviewed the detailed site investigation presented by its consultants. This work included surveys, wetland flagging and delineation, soil borings and other detailed environmental investigations used to determine the exact conditions and restrictions of the entire Combined Site.
With all of the property lines and environmental limitations clearly delineated, the consultants were able to assure the SBC that the entire program of the Middle/High School can fit on the “combined site”.
The consultants to the SBC will present their progress report to the School Committee on September 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria of the High School. Maps illustrating the wetlands, floodplains and other environmental constraints will be presented along with possible layouts of the buildings and athletic fields. The next steps for this process will be discussed. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
COMMENTS & QUESTIONS:
School Building Committee c/o Superintendent’s Office Manchester Essex Regional High School Lincoln Street Manchester, MA 01944
All citizens of Essex and Manchester are invited and welcomed to our meetings, particularly at this crucial time. Please come and help us find the best possible site for our new school.
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