Design options for Watertown’s new high school move toward public review as cost estimates are prepared
Summary
School building committee and district leaders presented progress on the new high school and middle-school options; designers will present proposed options to the building committee and cost estimates will inform final recommendations to the city manager and city council.
Designers and district leaders updated the Watertown School Committee on May 19 about ongoing planning for a new Watertown High School and potential middle school options, saying recommended design options will be presented to the School Building Committee and cost estimates will follow before any formal funding decisions.
District leaders said a design firm will present potential directions at an upcoming meeting of the School Building Committee and that, if a design is recommended, the district plans a neighborhood meeting to show neighbors the proposed option. Administrators emphasized that the School Building Committee selects a preferred design while funding and final appropriation decisions rest with the city manager and City Council.
Why it matters: The new‑building process will determine the scope of a large capital project (auditorium, gym, instructional spaces, accessibility, safety systems and potential sustainability features) and influence next steps in budgeting, swing‑space planning and community engagement.
Key points - Designers will present recommended options to the School Building Committee; the committee expected to offer more concrete direction by the June meeting. - Cost estimations for alternative plans are being prepared and will play a significant role in selecting a final option; administrators said they are working to align options with the city manager's recommended budget but that tradeoffs remain. - If the building committee endorses a design, the administration plans neighborhood meetings to present the proposal to nearby residents before final decisions. - The building committee retains authority over design selection; budget approval and appropriation decisions remain with the city manager and City Council.
Discussion vs. decisions: No final design was selected at the May 19 meeting; the update was informational and the committee was urged to watch the School Building Committee meeting for recommended options.
Implementation risks and next steps: Administrators said cost estimates, scope choices (for example, net‑zero features) and the availability of swing‑space will determine how quickly the project advances. The district indicated it is working to present options that fit projected budget parameters and will bring design and cost information back to the committee for review.
Ending: District leaders invited the School Committee and public to a School Building Committee meeting where the project team will present recommended options; neighborhood meetings will follow if a design is endorsed.
