HomeMy Public PortalAbout04-08-2014 Consideration of Submitting the Core Program Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority_201404040937045446Michael J. Driscoll
Town Manager
TOWN OF
WATERTOWN
Office of tire Town Manager
Administration Building
149 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone:617-972-6465
Fax: 617-972-6404
www.watertown-ma.gov
townmgr@watertown-ma.gov
To: Honorable Town Council
From: Michael J. Driscoll, Town Manager
Date: April 3, 2014
RE: Agenda Item — Consideration of Submitting the Core Program Statement of
Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority
Enclosed please find an email and attachment on behalf of Dr. Fitzgerald, Superintendent
of Schools regarding the subject.
Therefore, as a follow up to the attached correspondence, I respectfully request this
matter be placed on the April 8th Town Council Agenda for consideration of submitting the
Core Program Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
cc: Honorable School Committee
Dr. Jean Fitzgerald, Superintendent of Schools
Thomas J. Tracy, Town Auditor
Steven Magoon, Director of Community Development & Planning
Mark R. Reich, Esquire, Kopelman and Paige, P.C,
Osmond, Marsha
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Please see me; thanks.
Driscoll, Michael
Thursday, April 03, 2014 9:59 AM
Osmond, Marsha
Hand, JoAnna
FW: MSBA Statement of Interest for WHS
Town Mg rW HSSOI.pdf
From: Elizabeth Hopkinson [mailto:elizabeth.hopkinsong.Dwatertown.kl2.ma.us]
Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2014 4:03 PM
To: Driscoll, Michael
Cc: lean Fitzgerald; Dushku, Aaron; Kounelis, Angeline; Lenk, Cecilia; Woodland, Kenneth; Mark Sideris; Corbett,
Stephen; Falkoff, Susan; Palomba, Anthony; Piccirilli, Vincent J
Subject: MSBA Statement of Interest for WHS
Hello --
Attached please find a copy of the MSBA Statement of Interest for Watertown High School as well as a memo
from Dr. Fitzgerald.
The original memo as well as a hard copy of the SOI will be delivered to your office this afternoon.
Thank you.
Elizabeth Hopkinson
Administrative Assistant
Watertown Public Schools
's'° Watertown Public Schools
(3
� �, , :� 30 Common Street Watertown, Massachusetts 02472-3492
Phone:617-926-7700
Fax:617-923-1234
Jean M. Fitzgerald, Ed.D., Superintendent Darllyn Donovan, Assistant Superintendent
jean fitzgerald@waterloivn.kl2.nta. us dartlyn.donovan@watertown.kl2.nra.us
To: Michael Driscoll, Town Manager
From: Jean M. Fitzgerald, Superintendent_ i
Watertown Public Schools
Date: April 2, 2014
RE: Agenda Item: Approval of Core Program: Statement of Interest (SOI) for the
Massachusetts School Building Authority
Attached please find a copy of the Core Program — Statement of Interest for consideration of
approval by the Town Council.
Background information on the Core Program (source: MSBA website):
"The Core Program Is primarily for projects beyond the scope of the Accelerated
Repair Program, including extensive repairs, renovations, addition/renovations,
and new school construction. MSBA review of Core Program SOls will begin
after the April 11, 2014 deadline. The MSBA will not issue any decisions for any
potential projects in FY 2014 until (1) the MSBA has received and reviewed the
entire cohort of Core Program SOls and (2) the MSBA has performed due
diligence on district selected priority SOIs. Depending on the number of SOIs
that are submitted, this review process could take several months. Invitations to
the MSBA Eligibility Period are anticipated at the fall/winter 2014 Board
meetings."
The attached Core Program application requires the approval of the Town Council, the School
Committee as well as signatures of the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools.
Based on the recommendation of the Buildings and Grounds subcommittee, I am anticipating
that the Watertown School Committee will vote to approve the submission of the Core Program
SO[ at the Monday, April 7, 2014 School Committee meeting. Approval of the application by the
Town Council and the signature of the Town Manager are needed prior to the Friday, April 11,
2014 application deadline.
It is important that the Watertown Public Schools Administration present the Core Program
Statement of Interest and ask that a vote be taken at the Town Council's meeting on Tuesday
April 8, 2014 so that we meet the application timeline.
Please add this Item to the agenda for the Tuesday, April 8, 2014 Town Council meeting,
Thank you.
JMF:eh
Massachusetts School Building Authority
Next Steps to Finalize Submission of your FY 2014 Statement of Interest
Thank you for submitting your FY 2014 Statement of Interest (SOI) to the MSBA electronically. Please note, the
District's submission is not yet complete. The District is required to print and mail a hard copy of the SOI to the
MSBA along with the required supporting documentation, which is described below.
Each SOI has two Certification pages that must be signed by the Superintendent, the School Committee Chair, and the
Chief Executive Officer*. Please make sure that both certifications contained in the SOI have been signed and dated by
each of the specked parties and that the hardeopy SOI is submitted to the MSBA with original signatures.
SIGNATURES: Each SOI has two (2) Certification pages that must be signed by the District.
In some Districts, two of the required signatures may be that of the same person, If this is the case, please have that
person sign in both locations. Please do not leave any of the signature lines blank or submit photocopied signatures, as
your SOI will be incomplete.
*Local chief executive officer: In a city, or town with a manager form of government, the manager of the
municipality; in other cities, the mayor; and in other towns, the board of selectmen unless, !it a city or town,
some other municipal office is designated as the chief executive office under the provisions,of a local charter.
VOTES: Each SOI must be submitted with the proper vote documentation. This means that (1) the required
governing bodies have voted to submit each SOI, (2) the specific vote language required by the MSBA has been used,
and (3) the District has submitted a record of the vote in the format required by the MSBA,
School Committee Vote: Submittal of all SOIs must be approved by a vote of the School Committee.
o For documentation of the vote of the School Committee, Minutes of the School Committee meeting at
which the vote was taken must be submitted with the original signature of the Committee Chairperson. The
Minutes must contain the actual text of the vote taken which should be substantially the same as the
MSBA's SOI vote language.
Municipal Body Vote: SOIs that are submitted by cities and towns must be approved by a vote of the
appropriate municipal body (e.g., City Council/ Aldermen/Board of Selectmen) in addition to a vote of the School
Committee.
o Regional School Districts do not need to submit a vote of the municipal body.
o For the vote of the municipal governing body, a copy of the text of the vote, which shall be substantially the
same as the MSBA's SOI vote language, must be submitted with a certification of the City/Town Clerk
that the vote was taken and duly recorded, and the date of the vote must be provided.
CLOSED SCHOOLS: Districts must download the report from the "Closed School" tab, which can be found on the
District Main page. Please print this report, which then must be signed by the Superintendent, the School Committee
Chair, and the Chief Executive Officer. A signed report, with original signatures must be included with the District's hard
copy SOI submittal. If a District submits multiple SOIs, only one copy of the Closed School information is
required.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION FOR SOI PRIORITIES #1 AND #3: If a District selects Priority #1 and/or
Priority #3, the District is required to submit additional documentation with its SOT.
Massachusetts School Building Authority t Statement of Interest
If a District selects Priority #1, Replacement or renovation of a building which is structurally unsound or otherwise
in a condition seriously jeopardizing the health and safety of the school children, where no alternative exists, the
MSBA requires a hard copy of the engineering or other report detailing the nature and severity of the problem and
a written professional opinion of how imminent the system failure is likely to manifest itself. The District also must
submit photographs of the problematic building area or system to the MSBA.
If a District selects Priority #3, Prevention of a loss of accreditation, the MSBA requires the full accreditation
report(s) and any supporting correspondence between the District and the accrediting entity,
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: In addition to the information required with the SOI hard copy submittal, the
District may also provide any reports, pictures, or other information they feel will give the MSBA a better understanding
of the issues identified at a facility.
If you have any questions about the SOI process please contact Brian McLaughlin at 617-720-4466 or
Brian.McLaughlin@massschoolbuildinas.org.
Massachusetts School Building Authority 2 Statement of Interest
Massachusetts School Building Authority
School District Watertown
District Contact Jean Fitzgerald TEL: (617) 926-7700
Name of School Watertown High
Submission Date 4/2/2014
SOI CERTOICATION
To be eligible to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI), a district must certify the following:
The district hereby acknowledges and agrees that this SOI is NOT an application for funding and that submission of this SOI
in no way commits the MSBA to accept an application, approve an application, provide a grant or any other type of funding,
or places any other obligation on the MSBA.
The district hereby acknowledges that no district shall have any entitlement to funds from the MSBA, pursuant to M.G.L, c.
70B or the provisions of 963 CMR 2.00.
r The district hereby acknowledges that the provisions of 963 CMR 2.00 shall apply to the district and all projects for which
the district is seeking and/or receiving funds for any portion of a municipally -owned or regionally -owned school facility from
the MSBA pursuant to M.G.L. c. 70B.
The district hereby acknowledges that this SOI is for one existing municipally -owned or regionally -owned public school
facility in the district that is currently used or will be used to educate public PreK-12 students and that the facility for which
the SOI is being submitted does not serve a solely early childhood or Pre-K student population.
14 After the district completes and submits this SOI electronically, the district must sign the required certifications and submit one
signed original hard copy of the SOI to the MSBA, with all of the required documentation described under the "Vote" tab, on
or before the deadline.
m The district will schedule and hold a meeting at which the School Committee will vole, using the specific language contained in
the 'Vote' tab, to authorize the submission of this SOI. This is required for cities, towns, and regional school districts.
Prior to the submission of the hard copy of the SOT, the district will schedule and hold a meeting at which the City
Council/Board of Aldermen or Board of Selectmen/equivalent governing body will vote, using the specific language contained
in the "Vote' tab, to authorize the submission of this SOI. This is not required for regional school districts.
On or before the SOI deadline, the district will submit the minutes of the meeting at which the School Committee votes to
authorize the Superintendent to submit this SOI. The District will use the MSBAs vote template and the vote will specifically
reference the school and the priorities for which the SOI is being submitted. The minutes will be signed by the School
Committee Chair. This is required for cities, towns, and regional school districts.
Ll The district has arranged with the City/Town Clerk to certify the vote of the City CouncilBoard of Aldermen or Board of
Selectmen/equivalent governing body to authorize the Superintendent to submit this SOI: The district will use the MSBA's
vote template and submit the full text of this vote, which will specifically reference the school and the priorities for which the
SOI is being submitted, to the MSBA on or before the SOI deadline, This is not required for regional school districts.
The district hereby acknowledges that this SOI submission will not be complete until the MSBA has received all of the
required vote documentation and certification signatures in a format acceptable to the MSBA.
Massachusetts School Building Authority 3 Statement oflntuest
Chief Executive Officer * School Committee Chair Superintendent of Schools
Michael J. Driscoll Eileen Hsu -Balzer Jean M. Fitzgerald
City Manager
(signature) (signature) (signature)
Date Date Date
* Local chief executive officer: In a city or town with a manager form of government, the manager of the municipality;
in other cities, the mayor; and in other towns, the board of selectmen unless, in a city or town, some other municipal
office is designated to the chief executive office under the provisions of a local charter. Please note, in districts where
the Superintendent is also the Local Chief Executive Officer, it is required for the same person to sign the Statement
of Interest Certifications twice. Please do not leave any signature lines blank.
Massachusetts School Building Authority 4 Statement of Interest
Massachusetts School Building Authority
School District Watertown
District Contact Jean Fitzgerald TEL: (617) 926.7700
Name of School Watertown High
Submission Date 4/2/2014
Note
The following Priorities have been included in the Statement of Interest:
1. f' Replacement or renovation of a building which is structurally unsound or otherwise in a condition seriously
jeopardizing the health and safety of school children, where no alternative exists.
2. n Elimination of existing severe overcrowding.
3, n Prevention of the loss of accreditation.
4. Prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments.
5. Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and
ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs in a school facility.
6, n Short term enrollment growth.
7. Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state
and approved local requirements.
g. Transition from court -ordered and approved racial balance school districts to walk -to, so-called, or other school
districts.
SOI Vote Requirement
v I acknowledge that I have reviewed the MSBA's vote requirements for submitting an SOI which are set forth in the Vote
Tab of this SOI. I understand that the MSBA requires voles from specific parties/goveming bodies, in a specific format using
the language provided by the MSBA, Further, I understand that the MSBA requires certified and signed vote documentation to
be submitted with the SOI. I acknowledge that my SOI will not be considered complete and, therefore, will not be reviewed by
the MSBA unless the required accompanying vote documentation is submitted to the satisfaction of the MSBA.
Potential Project Scope: Potential New School
Is this SOI the District Priority SOI? YES
School name of the District Priority SOI: Watertown High
Is this part of a larger facilities plan? NO
If "YFS", please provide the following:
Facilities Plan Date:
Planning Firm:
Please provide an overview of the plan including as much detail as necessary to describe the plan, its
goals and how the school facility that is the subject of this SOI fits into that plan:
Massachusetts School Building Authority 5 Statement of Interest
Please provide the current student to teacher ratios at the school facility that is the subject of this SOI: 13 students
per teacher
Please provide the originally planned student to teacher ratios at the school facility that is the subject of this SOT:
13 students per teacher
Does the District have a Master Educational Plan that includes facility goals for this building and all school
buildings in District? NO
Does the District have related report(s)/document(s) that detail its facilities, student configurations at each
facility, and District operational budget information, both current and proposed? NO
If "NO", please note that:
If, based on the SOI review process, a facility rises to the level of need and urgency and is invited into the
Eligibility Period, the District will need to provide to the MSBA a detailed Educational Plan for not only that
facility, but all facilities in the District in order to move forward in the MSBA's school building construction
process.
Is there overcrowding at the school facility? YES
If "YSto, please describe in detail, including specific examples of the overcrowding.
Student: Teacher ratio = 12.3:1 from District Profile; Year 2012-2013
WITS houses many special needs programs to keep students in the least restrictive environment, and in their community
school. Offering these opportunities to our students, and meeting their needs in their home school rather than outplacing
them, is in the best overall interest of the students with challenging and complex needs. These classes are necessarily
quite small, skewing our studentaeacher ratios. Calculating the ratios separately for our core program (which includes our
inclusion classes) and our special education programming results in in the following student to teacher ratios NEED
RATIO
Has the district had any recent teacher layoffs or reductions? YES
If "YES", how many teaching positions were affected? 4
At which schools in the district? 3.9 FIEs were cut throughout the district.
Please describe the types of teacher positions that were eliminated (e.g., art, math, science, physical education,
etc,).
Middle School: .5 FIE Library/Media Specialist, High School:.4 FTE Foreign Language, A FIE English, I FIE
Special Education Elementary : A FIE Music. .6 FIE Behavior Specialist, .5 Intake Coordinator
Has the district had any recent staff layoffs or reductions? YES
If "YES", how many staff positions were affected? 18
At which schools in the district? District Wide
Please describe the types of staff positions that were eliminated (e.g., guidance, administrative, maintenance,
etc.).
1 FIE Secretary(position elimfnated),17 Instructional Assistants
Please provide a description of the program modifications as a consequence of these teacher and/or staff
reductions, including the impact on district class sizes and curriculum.
The middle school library now has only a .5 FIE library/media specialist. The music programs have been reduced in
conjunction with the .6 FIE reductions. The Watertown Friends of Music have donated funds so that the middle school
could maintain the jazz band program, The world language and English reductions in staffing occurred at the }sigh school,
thus reducing course offerings for our high school students, The special education cut was also at the high school resulting in
larger case loads for teachers.
----- ............. ... .. .. .. ...... _.... _... ....
Please provide a detailed description of your most recent budget approval process Including a description of any
Massachusetts School Building Authority 6 Statement of Interest
budget reductions and the :impact of those reductions on the district's school facilities, class sizes, and educational
program.
Preparation of the FY' 14 budget development supported the district's strategic goals and was guided by the FY' 14 budget
goals. The District adopted the following budget goals for FY'14: • Support Student Success Through Quality Educational
Programming • Reduce/Maintain Class Size • Ensure Compliance with State and Federal Mandates • Reinstate
Leadership • Build Capacity to Meet the Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Needs of Our Students The district
developed and followed this budget Calendar: *October— December 2012 *Budget Goals Discussed *Ongoing
Leadership Council and Principal Budget Development Curriculum Subcommittee Presentation *January — April 2013
*School Committee Adopts PY14 Budget Goals *Budget/Finance Meetings (4 meetings) *Public Hearing (4/1) *School
Committee Votes 4.77% Town Appropriation Increase for FY14 *Budget (4/8) *Town Manager Proposes 3.79%
Increase (4/2,3) *May — June 2013 *School Cornndttee Amends FY14 Budget to 3.7917o Increase (6/3) *Presentation to
Town Council (6/4) *Town Council Vote on Total Appropriation (6/11) The budget reduction required die cuts listed in the
section above.
Massachusetts School nultding Authority 7 statement of Interest
General Description
BRIEF BUILDING HISTORY: Please provide a detailed description of when the original building was built, and
the date(s) and project scopes(s) of any additions and renovations (maximum of 5000 characters).
Date Constructed 1929, Number of floors- 3 approx sq footage 165,000..
Additions, Renovations, and Major Maintenance
1950s: Two-story program space addition to the northeast building comer plus one-story addition at southeast corner.
1979: Program space addition at the south elevation (enclose the courtyard) plus auto shop at the northeast comer.
2004: Cafeteria addition and entire building low -sloped roof replacement.
TOTAL BUILDING SQUARE FOOTAGE: Please provide the original building square footage PLUS the square
footage of any additions.
165000
SITE DESCRIPTION: Please provide a detailed description of the current site and any known existing conditions
that would impact a potential project at the site. Please note whether there are any other buildings, public or
private, that share this current site with the school facility. What is the use(s) of this building(s)? (maximum of
5000 characters).
Bound by Columbia Street, Barnard Street, Common Street and the Common Street Cemetery, the High School property
offers very limited parking and outdoor pedestrian/green space. The School's primary open space, Victory Field, is
located approximately one third of a mile away off of Orchard Street. the school property's tight boundaries prohibit
building expansion of any kind, which suggests that space deficiencies as described herein are difficult if not impossible to
overcome. Moreover, the remote location of Victory Field further compromises the overall functionality of the High
School. The lack of open green space adjacent to the school building limits the types of physical and social outdoor
activities and experiences that can often be among the most enriching and memorable for students of their school days.
The remote location of Victory Field was raised by many to be the single greatest deficiency at the High School.
ADDRESS OF FACILITY: Please type address, including number, street name and city/town, If available, or
describe the location of the site. (Maximum of 300 characters)
50 Columbia Street, Watertown, MA 02742
BUILDING ENVELOPE: Please provide a detailed description of the building envelope, types of construction
materials used, and any known problems or existing conditions (maximum of 5000 characters).
Wall System:
All Building Areas: Clay brick mass masonry through with decorative precast concrete, cast stone, and coated terra-cotta
accent at original 1929 structure only
Window System:
All Building Areas: Punched windows are aluminum framed, hung windows with single -pane glass, 1979 Addition features
aluminum curtain wall frames with insulating glass units (IOUs).
Door System:
All Building Areas: Main door at the 1979 Addition is set into the curtain wall system. Other doors are hollow or insulated
metal.
Roof System:
Massachusetts School Building Authority a Statement of Interest
All Building Areas: Samafil PVC membrane typical at low -sloped areas and standing seam metal at steep sloped areas.
Reports of Building Enclosure Leakage/Distress:
Localized areas of interior peeling paint, generally associated with failing mortar joints on the exterior and most severe
along the parking lot (east) elevation; Watertown Public Schools (WPS) reportedly repoints failing joints on an ongoing
basis to address leakage. Water leakage reportedly occurs at louvers and is dependent on wind direction during the storm.
No reported leakage associated with the roofing system since its installation in 2004.
Overall Building Envelope Condition / Major Concerns:
Exterior walls are in fair condition with notable areas of distress (Efflorescence, cracking, mortar spalls at lintel ends) that
should be repaired in the near to mid-term to avoid more significant deterioration. Windows are significantly worn with
failing seals and replacement or significant short-term repairs (e.g. wet -sealing) should be anticipated in the next several
years. Roofing membrane and steep sloped metal roofing generally appear to be in good condition with only typical
maintenance necessary.
Walls:
1929 Building: Brick masonry and joints are typically in fair condition and appear sound but weathered. Efflorescence
exists along the outside of the parapet and appears to emanate from below the coping at an entrance canopy, and below
many of the windows. Lintels appear painted, with isolated locations of corrosion visible. Vertical cracks in the concrete
foundation wall that have been previously sealed are failing again, exist throughout the building, typically below windows.
Concrete stair/landing at an east auxiliary entrance has settled and fallen away from the building. Water table elements
below the parapet have significant staining and open mortar joints, A coating has been applied over terra cotta at part of
the main entrance; the coating appears to be failing, and several terra Gotta pieces with the coated area have spalled.
1950s Addition:
Brick masonry and mortar joints are typically sound with minimal weathering. Lintels are painted with localized corrosion
visible and spoiled mortar at the bearing ends; no evidence of rust jacking is visible, Localized efflorescence exists at one
pilaster and one location of the parapet of the one-story addition, as well as below most of the north elevation windows. A
step crack also exists emanating from the window of the one-story addition towards the 1929 Building, and an area at the
northeast comer of the two-story addition appears to have been previously repaired.
1979 Addition:
Brick masonry units are cracked throughout the building, which appears to be material or manufacturing related — not
structural. Step cracking exists at the end of auto shop garage door. Lintels are galvanized steel and appear to be sound
with no observed corrosion or evidence of rust jacking. Urethane sealant at brick expansion joints is crazed.
All Building Areas:
Perimeter seals are starting to fail at isolated locations. Window glazing is failing. Finish on the frames is faded, wom, and
beginning to corrode at some locations. Exterior gaskets in the curtain wall framing system of the 1979 Addition are
embrittled, cracked, and short at corners. Several IOUs along the east elevation have failed and have condensation on the
interior.
Has there been a Major Repair or Replacement of the EXTERIOR WALLS ? NO
Year of Last Major Repair or Replacement: 0
Description of Last Major Repair or Replacement:
Has there been a Major Repair or Replacement of the ROOF? YES
Year of Last Major Repair or Replacement: 2003
Type Of ROOF: PVC Sarnifil roof
Description of Last Major Repair or Replacement:
Complete replacement of roof
Has there been a Major Repair or Replacement of the WINDOWS? NO
Mumchumus School Building Authority 9 Statement of interest
Year of Last Major Repair or Replacement: 0
Type Of WINDOWS: Punched windows are aluminum framed, hung windows with single -pane glass. 1979 Addition
features aluminum curtain wall frames with insulating glass units (IGUs).
Description of Last Major Repair or Replacement:
MECHANICAL and ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: Please provide a detailed description of the current mechanical
and electrical systems and any known problems or existing conditions (maximum of 5000 characters).
The existing building is fed underground from a utility company pad mount transformer. This underground service feeds a
208/120 volt, 3000 amp switchboard which was installed in 1979. This newer switchboard then re -feeds the original
building switchboard and associated distribution equipment. It was observed that the majority of existing panelboards are
original to the building and in need of replacement.
The majority of lighting fixtures consist of 2'x2' and 2'x4' recess acrylic lensed fixhues. These fixtures have all been
upgraded recently with new lamps and ballasts and are in good condition.
The existing fire alarm system is the product of the Edwards Corporation and is an addressable system with no voice
communication. The building contains a sprinkler system and is supplemented with smoke detector coverage. The system
is approximately 10 years old and appears to be regularly maintained and in good condition.
A diesel fueled emergency generator is located in the building penthouse and provides for emergency lighting, heating and
power for the kitchen refrigeration walk-in units. The size and age of the generator could not be determined but appears to
be at least 30 years old
Has there been a Major Repair or Replacement of the BOILERS? YES
Year of Last Major Repair or Replacement: 2001
Description of Last Major Repair or Replacement:
Building heating system consists of 3 cast iron Natural Gas fired Weil McLein steam boilers with steam radiation
and through wall unit ventilators. The boilers were replaced in 2001, 2 boilers are currently operational and the third
boiler is down for repairs. The Cafeteria has fin tube radiation at the exterior wall. The Cafeteria has an issue with
overheating during times of high occupancy. It is unclear whether this is solely due to the aging and maligned control
system. There is a full Ansul fire protection system for the Kitchen hood system.
The Gym is served by 2 air handling units, of which also have a tendency to overheat.
The domestic hot water heater consists of 2 PVI 800 MBH input heaters, approximately 13 years old.
Has there been a Major Repair or Replacement of the HVAC SYSTEM 7 YES
Year of Last Major Repair or Replacement: 2013
Description of Last Major Repair or Replacement:
Motor upgrade in all air handling units. Drives installed in all units. DDC building system installed in all units.
Has there been a Major Repair or Replacement of the ELECTRICAL SERVICES AND DISTRIBUTION
SYSTEM? YES
Year of Last Major Repair or Replacement: 1979
Description of Lest Major Repair or Replacement:
.The existing building is fed underground from a utility company pad mount transformer. This underground service
feeds a 208/120 volt, 3000 amp switchboard which was installed in 1979. This newer switchboard then re -feeds
the original building switchboard and associated distribution equipment.
HEATING FUEL: Which of the heating fuel types below does your building primarily rely on for heating?
Natural Gas
BUILDING INTERIOR: Please provide a detailed description of the current building interior Including a
description of the flooring systems, finishes, ceilings, lighting, etc. (maximum of 5000 characters).
Massachusetts School Budding Authority 10 statement of Interest
.The walls are constructed of cinder block brick covered by latex paint. Flooring consists of VCT tiles and carpeting. The
ceilings are 2 x2 and 2 x 4 drop in the majority of the building, with plaster ceilings in the auditorium and two art rooms.
PROGRAMS and OPERATIONS: Please provide a detailed description of the current programs offered and
indicate whether there are program components that cannot be offered due to facility constraints, operational
constraints, etc. (maximum of 5000 characters).
Watertown High School faces the serious challenge of reconciling a growing enrollment and increasing demands for special
high needs students with the a general lack of quality, flexible classroom space and severe shortage of smaller spaces for
specialized one-on-one and small group instruction.
• Classrooms and laboratories are in serious need of upgrading. Due to the fact that the dimensions and proportions
(length to width) of these spaces, as well as lack of provision for wiring for technology upgrades, are effectively encoded
into the physical structures of the building.
Classroom sizes, while frequently adequate purely in terms of square feet, are insufficient for contemporary pedagogical
needs and objectives (a variety of teacher -student seating configurations supporting teaching that is not based on lecture
format).
Laboratory space is similarly either under -provided or is provided in spaces too constrained dimensionally.
Classrooms typically lack formal and informal capability for subdivision into smaller teaching spaces.
Smaller teaching, evaluation and counseling spaces in proximity to, but separate from, classrooms are lacking.
Teacher support spaces are lacking.
CORE EDUCATIONAL SPACES: Please provide a detailed description of the Core Educational Spaces within
the facility, a description of the number and sizes (in square feet) of classrooms, a description of science
rooms/labs including ages and most recent updates, and a description of the media center/library (maximum of
5000 characters).
.ROOM TYPE SQ FT # RMS
Classrooms 58464 63
Sciences Rooms 2622 9
Labs 5182 6
Library 7367 1
Media Center 50121 Cable Studio
Lecture Hall 13037 1
Total square footage for 81 spaces in requested information: 91684
CAPACITY and UTILIZATION: Please provide a detailed description of the current capacity and utilization of
the school facility. If the school is overcrowded, please describe steps taken by the administration to address
capacity issues. Please also describe in detail any spaces that have been converted from their intended use to be
used as classroom space (maximum of 5000 characters),
Most existing spaces are shopworn, or of poor construction quality, inflexible and in many cases too small to handle
increased enrollment (e.g., English and History classrooms that typically accommodate 20-21 students now handle
between 28 and 29 students; a classroom with tiered seating is inaccessible to handicapped students). A single elevator
serves the entire High School building, There are no conference spaces. There are very few small spaces for one-on-one
small group instruction, a critical shortcoming given the high percentage of high needs learners (i.e., 48% of the student
body are ELL, Special Education and/or low income learners).
MAINTENANCE and CAPITAL REPAIR: Please provide a detailed description of the district's current
Massachusetts School Buading Authority It Statement of Interest
maintenance practices, its capital repair program, and the maintenance program in place at the facility that is the
subject of this SOI. Please include specific examples of capital repair projects undertaken in the past, including
any override or debt exclusion votes that were necessary (maximum of 5000 characters).
Watertown Public School employees perform maintenance and cleaning. WPS uses a web based work order program
that is the responsibility of the building senior custodian to ensure that work orders are requested. Each summer the
building undergoes a complete and thorough cleaning, This cleaning included but is not limited to stripping and waxing of
floors, washing walls, extracting carpets, washing furniture and white board, etc. The facility is part of the ESCO contract
that the City of Watertown has entered into with Johnson Controls. This contract is a major expenditure for the purpose of
higher efficiency and less energy consumption. The building is also included in the Watertown Capital Improvement Plan.
This is an ongoing building improvement plan with a five-year outlay. Some examples of recent capital improvements to the
high school are, ESCO energy upgrades, and ongoing furniture replacement.
Massachusctts School Building Authority 12 Statement of Interest
Priority 7
Question 1: Please provide a detailed description of the programs not currently available due to facility
constraints, the stale or local requirement for such programs, and the faeitity limitations precluding the programs
from being offered.
1. The delivery of Physical Education instruction is hampered by the fact that building is
landlocked with virtually no green space. The town has field space which may be used
for physical education instruction, but it is remote to the building. The several block
walk reduces the amount of class time. Remaining in the gymnasium for Physical
Education instruction significantly restricts the variety and types of engaging activities
for students and limits the ability to offer a variety of lifelong fitness activities.
2. Athletics and intramural programs are limited by the lack of both outdoor and indoor
athletic spaces. Many intramural programs may not run at all since, the school has to
share town fields with the middle school and the recreation department for practices
and games.
3. Watertown High School takes pride in offering many specialized instructional programs
for students with learning challenges and needs. We believe that keeping students in
their hometown high school is not only less expensive than utilizing special education
outplacements, but is also in many of our students' best interest in terms of their
sense of community, opportunity to to be included in activities and clubs and also an
easy transition to less intensive programming as the students gain skills and
strategies for inclusion into the mainstream classrooms for even part of their day. We
lack the ability to adequately site those programs throughout the building. In one
case a larger classroom is "divided in half' by use of a divider wall of filing cabinets.
4. We offer a Life Skills program for significantly challenged young adults 18-22 (LEAP).
We are unable to provide a fully effective range of life skills training for these
students due to lack of space to house a kitchen, washer/dryer, etc.
5. Small Group Reading instruction takes place in retrofitted office/conference space,
which is.inadequate and under -equipped. Some of the area is in a traffic pattern to
reach other small group instructional areas.
6. We do not have a dedicated Writing center, due to lack of space and technology.
7. Watertown High School has a vibrant, but small choral music program of only about 20
students. The choral room could not reasonably hold more than this number of
students, even though a music program can gain a critical mass and make most
effective use of their curriculum opportunities with larger numbers of students. The
chorus can sometimes be found practicing in hallways or the lobby due to the
inadequate space of the chorus room.
8. The science laboratories are small for the size of the classes, and they are
Inadequately equipped. The department and the district have done their best to
address this insufficiency by applying for various equipment and technology grants.
Science is a discipline whereby students definitely learn best through laboratory
experimentation and hands on activities. Due to the small size of our science labs
and the large numbers of students that we move through our science classes (moss
Massachusetts School Building Authority 13 Statement of Interest
each individual student to personally engage in those activities, since it is necessary
in most cases, to share lab stations with another student.
9. The retrofit of this building to accommodate the instructional needs that we have, has
caused us to have teachers and classes in unusual spaces. A mathematics classroom,
for Instance, has a tiered floor, making flexible grouping all but Impossible. A physics
classroom is in a corner that essentially divides the room into two attached spaces
with poor sight lines between the two pieces of the room.
10.A good number of our students receive counseling as part of their educational
program. Our counseling spaces are Inadequate and perhaps some of the most tired
and dreary of any spaces in the building. The counseling space in the nurse's area has
the appearance of a retrofitted closet. The main counseling area has inadequate
counseling office spaces adjoined by a common room. These arrangements provide
some of the least comfortable spaces in the building, and they are used by students
with some of the greatest needs.
11.We have no room in the building for additional computer lab space for use with whole
class instruction or testing. Without a major upgrade, we will be inadequately
prepared for the day that standardized testing (such as PARCC) requires electronic
testing. In addition to this concern, there is inadequate bandwidth In the building and
difficulty retrofitting the building, due to its 100 year old architectural structure, walls,
etc.
12.Conferencing space is quite limited. We have a high percentage of our students on
IEP's (23%) and thus have many team meetings that need to be held to manage the
special education students' educational programs in accordance with all special
education rules and regulations. It is very difficult to find confidential and adequate
space for these meetings in the building.
13.Testing space is also limited. Advanced Placement testing has to take place in
another building altogether (currently at the Central Office). Testing for individual
students to determine their needs and disabilities takes place In the aforementioned
inadequate counseling spaces.
14.Although the Library is a reasonably sized space, it is not equipped, configured nor
structured to provide the appropriate digital environment for a 21st century
Library/Media center.
1S.The nurse's suite is Inadequate In size, inadequate in office area. It has two
treatment rooms with poor sight lines for monitoring students. There is one counseling
room within the suite, which I previously mentioned appears as if it is a retrofitted
closet.
16.Watertown High School has a vibrant Robotics club, which could easily be supported
by an engineering design/robotics class during the school day. However, the Robotics
lab has very limited area for instruction, as the area is almost entirely dedicated to
construction and parts storage. We need an additional classroom space in order to
expand the robotics/engineering program to become part of the credit -bearing,
daytime Instructional opportunity for students .
17.We do not have any specialized space for enriching electives such as Drama. We
would not be able to schedule such a class in the auditorium since the auditorium is
Massachusetts School Building Authority 14 Statement of Interest
purposes.
1. There is little remedy to the landlocked situation. In good weather, students will walk
the several blocks to the town field space. However, this cuts Into class time, which
is already somewhat reduced by the need to change clothing in order to participate in
Physical Education.
2. Many intramural opportunities do not exist since, the school has to share town fields
with the middle school and the recreation department for practices and games.
3. Specialized program space is currently shoe -horned in wherever such space can
possibly accommodate chairs and tables. These spaces serve as a classroom, but are
not configured for the specialized programming that is delivered in them. The problem
Is structural in nature, so we are unable to address this situation in a meaningful way.
4. We offer a Life Skills program for significantly challenged young adults 18-22 (LEAP).
We currently share use of kitchen equipment with the culinary classes as it Is may be
available and not already in use.
5. Small Group Reading instruction takes place in retrofitted office/conference space,
which is inadequate and under -equipped. Some of the area is in a traffic pattern to
reach other small group instructional areas.
6. We do not have a dedicated Writing center, due to lack of space and technology. We
try to provide additional writing support through Academic Support classes or Resource
Classes, which contain a mix of students with various support needs.
7. The choral program is limited by the size of the room, which is unchangeable.
Students practice in the hallway area and the lobby In order to find more space for
practice, but this does not Increase the number of students that can fit Into the class.
8. We are currently accessing insurance funding to restore two science classrooms/labs
that were destroyed by a burst pipe in the 2012/2013 school year. Unfortunately the
expense of this restoration was exacerbated by uncovering all outdated and/or out of
code systems beneath the floors and in the walls and ceilings. We are also accessing
grant funding that we successfully received, to update the technology in these rooms.
This only addresses some of the needs of these two rooms and does not address the
inadequate size of, or limited number of lab stations in the remaining science
classrooms.
9. We have not been able to do anything to mitigate the deficiencies noted in #4 above,
as they are structural in nature,
10.The nature of this deficiency is structural, and the ultimate solution requires
additional space. We currently use makeshift areas such as a corner of the cafeteria
for some of our counseling.
11.0ur teachers try to be flexible in sharing computer lab space, but this often depends
Massachusetts School Building Authority 15 statement Of interest
on quite a bit of advanced lesson planning and no anomalies in the school day or
schedules. We have a handful of laptop carts or !Pad carts for use on a first -come
first -served basis. We currently have a technology team exploring the possibility of
instituting a 1 to 1 device initiative in the school. The IT department is constantly
reassessing the bandwidth needs of the building, but high periods of use (such as
during attendance in the morning, or when multiple students are working on a digital
device at the same time in the same part of the building) remain an unmitigated
challenge.
12.Thls is another structural issue for which we do our best to plan and share space, but
. the need for additional space remains unresolved.
13.We currently would be unable to accommodate mandated online testing unless given e
very large window of time to accomplish it. We utilize space in other buildings for
some testing. We make do in the inadequate counseling areas for specialized needs
testing.
14.The Librarian, Educational Technology Coordinator and the Principal have begun
conversations about rearranging the Library/Media Center space. Our limited
bandwidth will inhibit our ability to effectively increase the use of digital media
technology and curricula in the current space.
15,This is a structural deficit for which we have not come up with any type of mitigating
plan.
16.At this time, the daytime instructional programs share some tools and equipment with
the robotics club, but we cannot offer a full engineering or robotics STEM program
during the school day due to insufficient space.
17.We are currently unable, due to constraints of the facility, to offer programs such as
Drama.
Massachusetts School Building Authority 16 Statement of Interest
Priority 7
Question 2: Please describe the measures the district has taken or is planning to take in the immediate future to
mitigate the problem(s) described above.
<I --[if !supportLists1-->1. <I--[endifj-->There is little remedy to the landlocked situation. In good
weather, students will walk the several blocks to the town field space. However, this
cuts into class time, which is already somewhat reduced by the need to change
clothing in order to participate in Physical Education.
2. Many intramural opportunities do not exist since, the school has to share town fields
with the middle school and the recreation department for practices and games.
3. Specialized program space is currently shoe -horned in wherever such space can
possibly accommodate chairs and tables. These spaces serve as a classroom, but are
not configured for the specialized programming that is delivered in them. The problem
Is structural in nature, so we are unable to address this situation in a meaningful way.
4. We offer a Life Skills program for significantly challenged young adults 18-22 (LEAP).
We currently share use of kitchen equipment with the culinary classes as it is may be
available and not already in use.
5. Small Group Reading instruction takes place in retrofitted office/conference space,
which is inadequate and under -equipped. Some of the area is in a traffic pattern to
reach other small group instructional areas.
6. We do not have a dedicated Writing center, due to lack of space and technology. We
try to provide additional writing support through Academic Support classes or Resource
Classes, which contain a mix of students with various support needs.
7. The choral program is limited by the size of the room, which is unchangeable.
Students practice in the hallway area and the lobby in order to find more space for
practice, but this does not increase the number of students that can fit into the class,
8. We are currently accessing insurance funding to restore two science classrooms/labs
that were destroyed by a burst pipe in the 2012/2013 school year. Unfortunately the
expense of this restoration was exacerbated by uncovering all outdated and/or out of
code systems beneath the floors and in the walls and ceilings. We are also accessing
grant funding that we successfully received, to update the technology in these rooms.
This only addresses some of the needs of these two rooms and does not address the
inadequate size of, or limited number of lab stations in the remaining science
classrooms.
9. We have not been able to do anything to mitigate the deficiencies noted in #4 above,
as they are structural In nature.
10.The nature of this deficiency Is structural, and the ultimate solution requires
additional space. We currently use makeshift areas such as a corner of the cafeteria
for some of our counseling.
11.0ur teachers try to be flexible in sharing computer lab space, but this often depends
Massachusetts School Building Authority 17 Statement of Interest
on quite a bit of advanced lesson planning and no anomalies in the school day or
schedules. We have a handful of laptop carts or !Pad carts for use on a first -come
first -served basis. We currently have a technology team exploring the possibility of
instituting a 1 to 1 device initiative in the school. The IT department is constantly
reassessing the bandwidth needs of the building, but high periods of use (such as
during attendance in the morning, or when multiple students are working on a digital
device at the same time in the same part of the building) remain an unmitigated
challenge.
12.This is another structural issue for which we do our best to plan and share space, but
the need for additional space remains unresolved.
13.We currently would be unable to accommodate mandated online testing unless given a
very large window of time to accomplish it. We utilize space In other buildings for
some testing. We make do in the inadequate counseling areas for specialized needs
testing.
14.The Librarian, Educational Technology Coordinator and the Principal have begun
conversations about rearranging the Library/Media Center space. Our limited
bandwidth will inhibit our ability to effectively increase the use of digital media
technology and curricula in the current space.
15.This is a structural deficit for which we have not come up with any type of mitigating
plan.
16.At this time, the daytime instructional programs share some tools and equipment with
the robotics club, but we cannot offer a full engineering or robotics STEM program
during the school day due to insufficient space.
17.We are currently unable, due to constraints of the facility, to offer programs such as
Drama.
Massachusetts School Building Authority 18 Statement Of interest
PrIm ity 7
Question 3: Please provide a detailed explanation of the impact of the problem described in this priority on your
district's educational program. Please include specific examples of how the problem prevents the districtfrom
delivering the educational program it is required to deliver and how students and/or teachers are directly gffected
by the problem Identified.
1. The several block walk reduces the amount of class time. Remaining in the
gymnasium for Physical Education instruction significantly restricts the variety and
types of engaging activities for students and limits the ability to offer a variety of
lifelong fitness activities.
2. Athletics and intramural programs are limited by the lack of both outdoor and indoor
athletic spaces. Many intramural programs may not run at all since, the school has to
share town fields with the middle school and the recreation department for practices
and games. Wrestling practices In a classroom.
3. Watertown High School takes pride in offering many specialized instructional programs
for students with learning challenges and needs. We believe that keeping students in
their hometown high school is not only less expensive than utilizing special education
outplacements, but is also in many of our students' best interest in terms of their
sense of community, opportunity to to be included in activities and clubs and also an
easy transition to less intensive programming as the students gain skills and
strategies for inclusion into the mainstream classrooms for even part of their day. We
lack the ability to adequately site those programs throughout the building. In one
case a larger classroom is "divided in half" by use of a divider wall of filing cabinets.
4. We offer a Life Skills program for significantly challenged young adults 18-22 (LEAP).
We are unable to provide a fully effective range of life skills training for these
students due to lack of space to house a kitchen, washer/dryer, etc.
5. Small Group Reading instruction takes place in retrofitted office/conference space,
which is Inadequate and under -equipped. Some of the area is in a traffic pattern to
reach other small group instructional areas.
6. We do not have a dedicated Writing center, due to lack of space and technology. We
try to provide additional writing support through Academic Support classes or Resource
Classes, which contain a mix of students with various support needs. This is
somewhat effective but not as robust or dedicated to Writing improvement as we
would like to provide.
7. Students practice chorus In the hallway area and the lobby in order to find more space
for practice, but this does not increase the number of students that can fit Into the
class.
8. Science Is a discipline whereby students definitely learn best through laboratory
experimentation and hands on activities. Due to the small size of our science labs
and the large numbers of students that we move through our science classes (most
classes are in the mid -twenties In number of students), there is less opportunity for
each individual student to personally engage in those activities, since it is necessary
in most cases, to share lab stations with another student.
Massachusetts School Building Authority 19 Statement of Interest
9. The retrofit of this building to accommodate the Instructional needs that we have, has
caused us to have teachers and classes in unusual spaces. A mathematics classroom,
for instance, has a tiered floor, making flexible grouping all but impossible. A physics
classroom is in a corner that essentially divides the room into two attached spaces
with poor sight lines between the two pieces of the room.
10.Our counseling spaces are inadequateand perhaps some of the most tired and dreary
of any spaces in the building. The counseling space in the nurse's area has the
appearance of a retrofitted closet. The main counseling area has inadequate
counseling office spaces adjoined by a common room. These arrangements provide
some of the least comfortable spaces in the building, and they are used by students
with some of the greatest needs. The nature of this deficiency structural, and the
ultimate solution requires additional space. We currently use makeshift areas such as
a corner of the cafeteria for some of our counseling.
11.Without a major upgrade, we will be Inadequately prepared for the day that
standardized testing (such as PARCC) requires electronic testing. In addition to this
concern, there is Inadequate bandwidth in the building and difficulty retrofitting the
building, due to its 100 year old architectural structure, walls, etc. Users cannot be on
multiple wireless devices in the same area at the same time without causing a
slowdown to the speed of the device, or sometimes, being bumped off of the network
altogether.
12.We have a high percentage of our students on IEP's (23%) and thus have many team
meetings that need to be held to manage the special education students' educational
programs in accordance with all special education rules and regulations. It is very
difficult to find confidential and adequate space for these meetings in the building.
13.Testing space Is also limited. Advanced Placement testing has to take place in
another building altogether (currently at the Central Office). Testing for individual
students to determine their needs and disabilities takes place in the aforementioned
Inadequate counseling spaces.
14.Although the Library is a reasonably sized space, it is not equipped, configured nor
structured to provide the appropriate digital environment for a 21st century
Library/Media center.
15.The nurse's suite has two treatment rooms with poor sight lines for monitoring
students. There is one counseling room within the suite, which I previously mentioned
appears as if it Is a retrofitted closet. Although counseling can take place in this space
it is undersized, tired and an unwelcoming environment for treating the emotional
needs of our students.
16.At this time, the daytime instructional programs share some tools and equipment with
the robotics club, but we cannot offer a full engineering or robotics STEM program
during the school. day due to Insufficient space.
17.Enriching electives provide an opportunity to spark an Interest or to more fully engage
students in the learning environment. Accessing such engagement through students'
interests and/or strengths, improves the experience and dedication of students to take
responsibility for their overall learning. We currently cannot offer electives such as
Drama, due to lack of appropriate space for the instruction.
Massachusetts School Building Authority 20 Statement of Interest
REQUIRED FORM OF VOTE TO SUBMIT AN SOI
REQUIRED VOTES
If a City or Town, a vote in the following form is required from both the City Council/Board of Aldermen
OR the Board of Selectmen/equivalent governing body AND the School Committee.
If a regional school district, a vote in the following form is required from the Regional School Committee
only. FORM OF VOTE Please use the text below to prepare your City's, Town's or District's required
vote(s).
FORM OF VOTE
Please use the text below to prepare your City's, Town's or District's required vote(s).
Resolved: Having convened in an open meeting on , prior to the closing date, the
Board ufSelrnmrn/EguroJenr Garrcniq¢ OnJ.v/SrAonf Cnrnmirvel Of—lelyMn"l, in
accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit
to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest dated for the
/Nnnmals<nnnu located at
laddr... i which
describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application
may be submitted to the Massachusets School Building Authority in the future
flo,wo dexriP/ino fih,pan w(D rheoked If
on the Stownenr olln/erear Form and a brlefd,a,Hp h. frhe de/id,o,drrcribeJ rn ere(nl reneh 1e1m10'1: and hereby further
specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School
Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of
a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits
the City/Town/Regional School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School
Building Authority.
Massachusetts School Building Authority 21 Statement of Interest
CERTIFICATIONS
The undersigned hereby certifies that, to the best of his/her knowledge, information and belief, the statements and information
contained in this statement of Interest and attached hereto are true and accurate and that this Statement of Interest has been
prepared under the direction of the district school committee and the undersigned is duly authorized to submit this Statement of
Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The undersigned also hereby acknowledges and agrees to provide the
Massachusetts School Building Authority, upon request by the Authority, any additional information relating to this Statement of
Interest that may be required by the Authority.
Chief Executive Officers School Committee Chair Superintendent of Schools
Michael J. Driscoll Eileen Hsu -Balzer Jean M. Fitzgerald
City Manager
(signature) (signature) (signature)
Date Date Date
* Local Chief Executive Officer: In a city or town with a manager form of government, the manager of the municipality; in other
cities, the mayor; and in other towns, the board of selectmen unless, in a city or town, some other municipal office is designated to
the chief executive office under the provisions of a local charter. Please note, in districts where the Superintendent is also the Local
Chief Executive Officer, it is required for the same person to sign the Statement of interest Certifications twice. Please do not
leave any signature lines blank.
Massachusetts School Building Authority 22 Statement ofFnterest