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School committee approves 950‑student projection for new Richard Elementary after feasibility briefing
Summary
After an LPA/Vertex feasibility presentation outlining two enrollment scenarios and estimated costs, the Marlborough School Committee voted to approve a 950‑student enrollment projection for the proposed Richard Elementary School; the committee also announced a public forum for further community input.
The Marlborough Public Schools School Committee voted Sept. 9 to approve a 950‑student enrollment projection for the proposed Richard Elementary School following a feasibility briefing from design firm LPA and owner’s project manager Vertex.
Christopher Lee, project manager for LPA, told the committee the feasibility study remains in an early phase and that the team tested multiple site and program configurations. He said the two enrollment scenarios under consideration would both exceed the district’s current Richard student population, with one option around 870 students and the other about 950. Lee said the larger option in earlier estimates was on the order of $170 million and that reducing enrollment could save roughly $10 million but might shift substantial renovation costs to Kane Elementary.
Lee and Vertex’s representatives also warned of a “scope snowball” effect: partial renovations or additions at aging buildings can trigger code‑level requirements (for example, accessibility upgrades and sprinklers) that raise costs because related systems such as ceilings, lighting and mechanicals then need work.
The consultants emphasized that grant eligibility through the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) applies only to the Richard Elementary scope and that any work at Kane would be a local responsibility.
Committee members pressed the team for clarity on what would be lost or gained at Kane under different scenarios, whether library or auxiliary spaces could be restored, and how an outdoor learning space would be counted in the cost summary. The committee announced a public forum for the project to be held next Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. at 25 Washington Street to allow residents to review trade‑offs and ask questions.
After discussion, a committee member moved to approve the 950‑student option. The chair called for a roll‑call vote and announced the motion carried; the chair reported six 'yes' responses and declared the 950 option approved.
Next steps include continuing design development, finalizing the education plan to align with the space summary for the MSBA, and collecting community feedback at the announced forum.
