Kittredge school project advances in MSBA process; committee hears design, cost and accessibility questions

The School Committee heard an extended update on the Kittredge Elementary School project at its June 5 meeting, as the town proceeds through the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) schematic and design process.

Project managers and the Kittredge School Building Committee reported they are advancing into civil engineering and detailed drawings and will meet regularly through the summer, with a cost reconciliation session scheduled for September 16. "Everything is marching along on schedule," one committee member said; the architects are preparing exterior and interior materials, flows and schematic designs for MSBA review.

Why it matters

The Kittredge project is a major town capital investment that will determine classroom configurations, grade placement and long‑term facility costs. Committee members noted that some design features (for example, additional modules or higher‑spec finishes) may not be reimbursed by MSBA; those items will be argued for in the reimbursement requests and could require local funding if not approved.

Key details reported

- Timeline: The committee will continue design meetings through September; a cost reconciliation meeting is scheduled for Sept. 16, after which estimated final costs will be clearer.

- MSBA review: The architects returned with changes recommended by MSBA and by the district’s educational team. Committee members said MSBA gave positive feedback on several elements but requested clarifications about layout and traffic flow.

- Scope and funding risks: Committee members noted that some items in the schematic are not typically MSBA‑funded and the district will make arguments for reimbursement. If MSBA does not reimburse these elements, the district could be required to choose alternatives or fund the items locally.

Questions and clarifications raised by committee members

Committee members pressed for clarity on when final cost numbers will be known and what portion of price changes (for materials such as steel) could affect town exposure. One member asked whether the town shares material cost risk with contractors or the MSBA; presenters said the answers depend on final contracting arrangements and timing and promised to bring that question back to the committee.

Accessibility and facilities details

A committee member asked that the architects examine adding more single‑stall bathrooms and to return with alternative configurations that increase single‑stall access for students. Another member asked that designers avoid cathedral ceilings on the top floor so future technology and cable runs can be surface‑mounted without costly renovation — a facilities planning detail the current committee asked be considered at this stage.

Next steps

The Kittredge School Building Committee will continue meetings every other week through the summer and into September. Committee members said they will press the architect to present alternative bathroom and circulation plans and to prepare the cost reconciliation materials for mid‑September. The committee also plans to review any MSBA feedback on reimbursable vs. non‑reimbursable items and will bring questions about material price‑risk back to the committee for guidance.

Ending

District leaders said the project remains on the MSBA schedule but that a number of final financial and design decisions remain pending. The committee will return to the School Committee with the cost reconciliation results and any recommended tradeoffs once MSBA and the design team finalize their evaluations.