Project Update: At our February 13th joint meeting, the Memorial School Building Committee (SBC) and MERSD School Committee voted unanimously to approve the Preferred Schematic Design Report (PSR) identifying “N-3 - The Hub” as the preferred option to be further developed during the Schematic Design phase.
This is the most significant milestone in the MSBA’s Feasibility Study phase and sets the stage for the remainder of the process. The preliminary cost estimate for the project is $55,600,000, with the district share after MSBA reimbursement estimated to be $41,600,000. From March to June of this year, JCJ Architecture will be working to develop a robust schematic design of sufficient detail to establish the scope, revised budget, and schedule for the proposed project. Upon completion and approval by the SBC and School Committee, the design will be submitted to the MSBA for approval. Once approved by the MSBA, the project is then brought to the community for local approval. The overall goal of Schematic Design is to develop a project that is both cost-effective and aligned with the needs of MERSD’s educational program.
Community Input: To date, the Memorial School Building Committee has hosted three community meetings at Memorial School to keep both the Manchester and Essex communities up-to-date on the process and to gather feedback. We are also planning an April meeting in Essex to ensure Essex parents and residents are apprised of the project and its implications. Our next district-wide meeting is scheduled for May 23rd and the focus will be the development of the schematic design and project budget.
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Community Meeting Topics Reviewed
MSBA grant program process and schedule
Review of existing conditions of Memorial school
Introduction of potential building sites
Site selection decision making
Feasibility phase building options
Evaluation of design options
Project timeline
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Timeline: In October, representatives from MERSD met with the Finance Committees and the Boards of Selectmen in both towns to review progress on the Feasibility Study and to ask for their support of a November 2018 town vote to fund the Memorial School building project. Both the Manchester and Essex Boards of Selectman voted unanimously to support this effort. This puts us on a pathway to have a project schematic design and cost proposal available in Spring of 2018. Throughout the coming months, representatives from the Building Committee will be at various community events in both towns to answer questions about our progress and the project. Please look for us!
A Look Ahead
March – June 2018 Schematic Design & Cost Proposal Development
September/October 2018 Town Meetings Held
November 2018 Town Votes
For More Information Please visit www.mersd.org – Quick Link: Memorial Building Committee
