Harriman engagement reviewed as Auburn begins advisory process for middle-school reconfiguration

School and city officials revisited a service agreement with Harriman Architects and Engineers and described the next steps toward studying a potential sixth‑grade reconfiguration at Auburn Middle School.

Adam Platt, reporting on the finance committee, said the board reviewed the Harriman master and service agreement that outlines initial engagement costs tied to ongoing work on a potential reconfiguration. Platt said some costs in the agreement are firm and others have not yet been incurred or agreed upon, and that the agreement currently represents an engagement to study options rather than a final construction contract.

Scott Aineer, assistant superintendent, and facilities staff said Harriman provided a timeline that sequences advisory‑committee work through the following year. Aineer and Adam Platt said the advisory process will include stakeholder feedback and public forums; community forums were described as scheduled for September and October, and advisory work is expected to start next month.

Officials emphasized the study and advisory nature of the contract review: no final design or construction decision was made at the June 18 meeting. Administrators said the advisory committee will vet options, report regularly to the school committee and city council, and solicit input from parents, staff and other stakeholders as the firm advances feasibility work.