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Committee previews Emmy Small, Ezra Baker feasibility studies; turf field work nears completion
Summary
The Dennis‑Yarmouth Capital Improvement Subcommittee outlined feasibility studies proposed for Emmy Small (estimated $1.5 million) and Ezra Baker (budgeted about $250,000), discussed a districtwide capital prioritization plan, and received an update that the high school turf field grading and drainage tests have passed ahead of turf installation.
The school committee’s Capital Improvement Subcommittee on Oct. 6 reviewed two feasibility studies proposed for FY27 and discussed a broader capital‑prioritization plan for future years.
Dr. Gilson reported the subcommittee expects to propose a feasibility study for Emmy Small in Yarmouth with an estimated cost of $1,500,000. The estimate was described as a ballpark figure developed by comparing MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority) data on feasibility studies and accounting for project timing and the building’s size; the superintendent said Emmy Small’s square footage is 45,600.
The district referenced MSBA comparables that, for studies presented between June and October 2024, listed feasibility study price tags between $800,000 and $1,100,000. Dr. Gilson said that because Emmy Small’s square footage and inflation between those MSBA examples and FY27, an estimate near $1.5 million “seems like a realistic number.”
Separately the subcommittee identified an FY27 feasibility study for Ezra Baker in Dennis. The superintendent said a similar prior process in another district drew bids from multiple firms and that the district would budget roughly $250,000 for an Ezra Baker study. The superintendent said the Ezra Baker study will address four primary areas: ADA compliance; life‑safety systems (mechanical, electrical and plumbing); fire protection; and security. The superintendent described the Ezra Baker study as a smaller scope than a full MSBA process and characterized it as a designer‑led study that produces recommendations and cost estimates.
Dr. Gilson said the subcommittee plans to compile a total capital plan with prioritized projects and then ask the full school committee to vote to approve that plan. The subcommittee will meet throughout the year to refine priorities.
The committee also received a construction update on the high‑school athletic complex: contractors finished grading the base stone on the upper field, the district reported drainage testing passed, and builders will perform final leveling prior to installing the turf carpet and re‑installing the track. The superintendent said parts of the track were compromised by undermining related to drainage, and track replacement was anticipated as part of the remediation work. The superintendent also told the committee she has a litigation update about the original design that she will present in executive session after consulting with district counsel.
The capital discussion emphasized closer coordination with both towns to allow better forecasting of capital needs and to give municipal partners time to plan funding in free cash or capital budgets.
Committee members said the planned studies will help the district and towns understand scope, costs and timing before larger projects are submitted for municipal capital planning.
