Medford Public Schools to pick single school-design option June 10; team to submit plan to MSBA by June 25

A project presenter for Medford Public Schools said the district will narrow its set of schoolbuilding alternatives to a single preferred option on June 10 and submit that choice to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) no later than June 25. "The right time to do this project was 10 years ago. The next best time is like right now," the presenter said, urging urgency on the schedule.

Why it matters: The presentation summarized six alternatives under review, with options ranging from a code-upgrade and selective additions/renovations to a full new-construction plan. The decision will determine which design the project team advances to the MSBA review process and will shape the project’s budget, phasing and community impacts.

What the team described: The project team introduced a "high school only" variant called C2.2A that could be applied to several alternatives (other than option 8.1). Under several renovation/addition scenarios the plan would replace the A-wing while preserving much of the existing buildings; C2.2A would retain the gymnasium and renovate the pool, fitness center and gymnastics/high-bay spaces. Project staff said an all-new construction alternative, labeled D1.1, also remains under consideration.

Schedule and phasing: Staff clarified that the cited 80-month duration refers to the total phased delivery, not a single wait period before occupancy. Early phases are expected to deliver portions of new space sooner; staff said the team is tracking toward having someone on the project team by October, to allow time for design work before a vote.

Costs and assumptions: The presenter said all cost figures are escalated to the start of construction using industry estimating norms—about 4 percent annually, according to the presentation—and that costs for a parking garage with a field on top were accounted for as an all-in item covering both schedule and construction realities.

Public input: During the public comment portion, a resident urged maximizing field space and suggested placing the athletic field on top of a parking garage to preserve student and community use. "A way to do that is to have the field on top of the parking garage," the resident said.

What comes next: The project team will select a single option on June 10 and submit the chosen option to the MSBA by June 25. The presentation materials and models will remain available after the meeting for attendees to review in the foyer, the presenter said.