Taconic High School Educational Programs Needs Study, May 2012
The New England School Development Council (NESDEC) was contracted by
the City of Pittsfield’s School District to complete a comprehensive
needs assessment of the Chapter 74 Programs that are offered or to be
offered in a new Taconic High School. Download the NESDEC Final Report here.
The high school feasibility study
During the Spring of 2011, members of the SBNC held several community
outreach meetings. As part of those meetings, a condensed brochure of
important information and a PowerPoint presentation were delivered.
Both are provided via the links below.
Pittsfield Schools High School Feasibility Study: A Presentation developed by SKANSKA
Feasibility Study flyer and fact sheet
High School Educational Visioning and Master Planning
In 2007, the City entered into a contract with Dore and Whittier
Architects, Inc, to provide an analysis and recommendations regarding
public high school education in Pittsfield, with a particular emphasis
on the potential and/or opportunities for school consolidation. Over
five working days, 39 individuals—representing school and community
perspectives—were led by educational planner, Frank Locker, through a
series of exercises. The main goal was to evaluate and determine the
long range disposition of secondary education in Pittsfield.
The results of the study, presented in a public forum in May of 2008,
is included in this report. For comparative purposes only, a series of
conceptual design options was prepared by Dore and Whittier with
estimated costs associated with each option. The core of this work,
however, has set the stage for future planning related to educational
plans and programs.
Overview & Table of Contents
Chapter 1, Executive Summary
Chapter 2, Educational Vision 2
Chapter 3, Workshop Issues
Chapter 4, Facilities Options
Chapter 5, Options
Chapter 6, Estimates
Chapter 7, Appendices
MSBA Process
School construction is guided by a process outlined by the MSBA. This consists of five basic phases:
Phase 1: Identify the problem
Phase 2 Verify the problem
Phase 3: Collaborate on solution
Phase 4: Agree upon a solution
Phase 5: Implement agreed-upon solution
Over the last several years, Pittsfield has worked through Phases 1
& 2 and is currently in Phase 3, that being developing a solution.
This phase has begun with initial site investigations, a Labor Market
Study, the development of a draft Educational Program, and initial
community outreach. Attached below is a schematic provided by Skanska
USA, our Owner’s Project Manager. (Click to enlarge.)
Financial Scenarios
Often, people want to know what a construction project will cost. At
this point, we have not advanced far enough into the process to
determine the exact construction costs. Thus, the cost to the City of
Pittsfield and taxpayers is not available. As options are developed in
Phase 3, and a preferred design with construction costs is determined,
these figures will be provided. It should be noted that Pittsfield has
been certified for 78.3% reimbursement by the MSBA. We are hopeful that,
with several incentives, we will reach the 80% reimbursement cap.
As a model, Skanska USA put together three financial scenarios based on possible costs. They are provided as a reference below.
Funding Options
More information
For more information about the Massachusetts School Building
Authority (MSBA) and the school construction process, please visit the
MSBA website at: http://www.massschoolbuildings.org/