PBC begins hiring for senior project manager; outlines Pollard MSBA timeline

Project staff told the Permanent Public Building Committee on Feb. 24 that hiring for a senior project manager is underway and that the Pollard School design and procurement timeline will move through several MSBA review steps in March–May.

Hank (staff member) reported that the job posting for a senior project manager closed with 16 applications and that staffers selected four candidates for an initial virtual interview round. He said the project team (including him, Ken and Gabby) will conduct those first interviews and then bring finalists to an in‑person second round with additional participants, including facilities staff from the Pollard School. "I was pleasantly surprised with the response," Hank said of the candidate pool. Staff estimated a realistic hire date could be as early as April or more likely by May depending on selection and transition timing.

On the long‑range Pollard School timetable, staff said they plan to advertise a Request for Services this Thursday, hold a site walk‑through in mid‑March, and accept submittals four weeks after advertising (early April). The MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority) process will include two design review panel meetings in May: a shortlist of three firms at the first meeting and interviews with those firms at the second meeting, followed by ranking and negotiation with the top-ranked firm. Committee members discussed whether the MSBA meetings should be in person or virtual; some members said an in‑person presence can be more persuasive and better convey the town’s knowledge and priorities.

Staff asked for committee participation in the selection of the town’s three representatives to the MSBA design review panel; the committee agreed to identify appropriate representatives and to return with those names in advance of the MSBA meetings.