South Shore Technical High School Building Committee Approves $276.4 Million Schematic Design Budget for New School

State expected to contribute $108.8 Million, about 39% of the project cost. Member towns to split remaining $167.5 Million per regional agreement.

HANOVER, MA - August 13 - In a significant step forward, the South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School Building Committee has given the green light to a $276.4 million schematic design budget for a new high school building. The decision, made on Aug. 13, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in the district's efforts to modernize its educational facilities.

The project's scope is ambitious yet thoughtful. The new 249,365-square-foot structure will replace the existing facility, promising improved efficiency and a more conducive learning environment. It's a testament to the district's commitment to providing students with the best possible resources for their vocational and technical education.

Financing for this project comes from multiple sources. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is expected to contribute substantially, with a grant of up to $108.8 million - approximately 39% of the total budget. The district will shoulder the remaining $167.5 million, a considerable investment in the future of local education.

Kevin Sullivan, the owners project manager with LeftField, expressed optimism about the timeline: "We remain on track and hopefully moving forward to getting support in the towns for January 2025." His words reflect the careful planning and community engagement that will be crucial in the coming months.

The team has worked to optimize the building's layout, reducing the gross square footage from 260,000 to 249,365 in the current schematic design. This adjustment resulted in a $1.7 million reduction in direct construction costs - a win for both efficiency and construction cost.

The district's commitment to maintaining its facilities has not gone unnoticed. With a remarkable score of 1.79 out of 2 from the MSBA for maintenance and capital planning, South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School stands out among its peers. This dedication to upkeep not only ensures a better learning environment for current students but also translates into increased state funding for the project.

Looking ahead, the project team is pursuing additional points for energy efficiency and green school initiatives. If successful, this could boost the MSBA reimbursement of eligible costs - a smart move that aligns with broader sustainability goals while potentially easing the financial burden on the member towns.

The budget breakdown reveals careful planning, with $223.6 million allocated for construction costs and $11.1 million set aside for contingencies. While some committee members questioned whether this contingency was sufficient, project representatives provided reassurance. They emphasized the rigorous process and the involvement of a construction manager at risk, which should help mitigate unexpected costs.

As the project moves forward, there's a palpable sense of excitement and responsibility. The committee's discussions touched on potential cost savings and grant opportunities, demonstrating their commitment to fiscal prudence. Sullivan's comment about having "a lot of money in dollars to spend on equipment" if they do their job well speaks to the long-term vision for the school's resources.

With the schematic design budget approval secured, the next steps are clear. The team will submit the project to the MSBA by Aug. 15, 2024, aiming for MSBA board approval on Oct. 30. This timeline sets the stage for further design refinements and community engagement, leading up to a potential district wide vote in January 2025.