Facilities Master Plan Recap - February 9 & March 3

The Facilities Master Plan (FMP) Steering Committee held two public meetings recently at Town Hall, February 9 and March 3, that included discussions of project progress, committee governance, and the establishment of a community engagement subcommittee. Here are the key highlights:

Project Update

  • Contract finalized with Arrowstreet for $290,000
  • Coordination with Educational Model Review Consultant (Rennie Center)
    • Community Introduction Event at School Committee Meeting on March 18 (6:30PM at the Public Safety Building)
  • Some documentation work for buildings without complete plans is built into the project cost

Site Visits and Schedule

  • School buildings: Site visits took place over February vacation week at active school buildings (not the former Capen School) to minimize classroom disruptions
  • Town/Non-school buildings: Assessments will begin next week and will be completed over the next couple of weeks
  • Building Plans: Facilities staff have gathered and shared building plans and reports with Arrowstreet. Complete plans are not available for all buildings. Arrowstreet will provide additional documentation as needed

Committee Work

The FMP Steering Committee reviewed the scope and goals and continued discussions around defining its guiding principles for balancing financial sustainability with community needs. Additional discussion and vote on guiding principles on agenda for March 9 meeting.

Coordination with Educational Model Team (Rennie Center)

Discussions centered around the two projects and finding ways to ensure both project teams are informed of ongoing work while working to keep the community informed of all efforts, including:

  • Facilitators from both Arrowstreet and the Rennie Center will coordinate to avoid duplication of efforts
  • Rennie Center is seeking community members who participated in previous visioning sessions to help create effective engagement environments
  • Exploring coordination with existing community events to maximize participation
  • School Committee working group member will provide regular updates to the steering committee

Community Engagement Subcommittee Created

The subcommittee discussed its advisory role to both the Select Board and School Committee. Communications will be coordinated between the Town Manager and Superintendent, with their communications staff (Amanda and Sara). Emphasizing the importance of thoughtful community engagement, the Subcommittee will:

  • Help to shape and support the community engagement approach
  • Review Arrowstreet's outreach plans
  • Draw on lessons from past projects (Master Plan, Town Green)
  • Focus on strategy, not operations
  • Share information through official town channels rather than individual committee members engaging in back-and-forth on social media
  • All engagement plans will be brought back to the full group for review and discussion

More Information