The Stoughton School Building Committee pushed the new South Elementary School project forward on Wednesday, authorizing over a half-million dollars in payments while receiving word that the $90.2 million project remains on budget. The vote comes as project leaders prepare for a critical month of bidding that will further define the financial landscape of the "school in the woods" design.

Project Consultant Eric from Vertex informed the committee that the design team is currently finalizing the 90% construction document package. This technical milestone coincides with the release of subcontractor and trade bid requests, which were issued at the end of March. We are expecting to receive bids back on the 15th of April, Eric stated, noting that the team will then begin a rigorous pre-qualification process to vet contractors. Despite the heavy design and administrative workload, he confirmed that the budget remains at $90,200,000.

The committee formalized the latest round of project spending by authorizing an invoice package primarily covering construction management and engineering services. Motion Made by Project Consultant to recommend the GPI invoice 0430397 for $8,051.44 and the WT Rich payment application #6 for $21,900 for a total of $509,066.44. Motion Passed (9-0-0). The unanimous vote included support from Chair Chris Shannon, Vice Chair Armando Barbosa, and members Karen Powers, Jenn Sears, Jillian Distefano, Leo Fay, and Melissa Lynch.

Brian, a consultant from the design team, offered a sneak peek into the latest cost estimates being returned by reconciled reports. They both seem on target, under budget, though a little bit apart from one another, Brian said. He noted that the team has been busy addressing site-specific challenges, including a redesign of a culvert on the property that required additional coordination with the Conservation Commission. The redesign replaces an aging metal pipe with a precast concrete culvert to ensure long-term drainage stability.

Traffic safety near the Pearl Street site also sparked significant committee interest. While peer reviewers suggested a roundabout at the entrance, consultants noted that the site likely lacks the necessary real estate for such a feature. Instead, the town is pursuing a traditional traffic signal with MassDOT. Town Manager Thomas J. Calter advocated for a proactive stance on safety, stating, I think it's prudent that this committee take a vote on supporting a roundabout because I can only imagine the future of traffic there, though the committee ultimately focused on balancing safety warrants with the available land.

The committee also weighed aesthetics regarding rooftop mechanical equipment. Committee member Leo Fay expressed skepticism about standard screening methods, noting, A lot of times when I see these screens for rooftop equipment, they don't really improve the aesthetics on a project of this scale. Brian responded that because of the site's elevation and existing tree canopy, most equipment would be invisible to pedestrians on Pearl Street regardless of screening.

Looking ahead, the committee discussed hiring a specialized tax advisor to maximize federal and Mass Save energy rebates, a move that could provide further fiscal relief for the project. Additionally, the Outreach Subcommittee is beginning to plan a groundbreaking ceremony, with Member Melissa Lynch noting that the timing — likely June or September — must balance logistics with the visibility of site progress. Doing it in June shows progress made, but movement on the site won't really be visible until the May/June timeframe, Lynch explained. Chair Chris Shannon looked to keep the committee’s momentum high, asking, Does anybody have any issue if we met on Wednesday the 22nd? We could meet at 7 o'clock for 15 minutes to review reconciled budgets.