The new South School project reached a major financial and logistical milestone this week as the school building committee authorized over $2.6 million for initial site construction. Despite the forward momentum on the ground, officials expressed frustration with state transportation authorities who have signaled that a traditional traffic light at the new school site is unlikely to be approved under current conditions.

The committee voted unanimously to approve an amendment for construction manager WT Rich totaling $2,613,241.00, designated for site work and associated allowances. Motion Made by C. Shannon to approve WT Rich Amendment number one in the amount of $2,613,241.00. Motion Passed (3-0, with Members L. Faye, S. Grope, and C. Horsfall recorded in the roll call). This funding release coincides with the project reaching the 60% construction document phase, which was submitted to the state on February 2nd. Bethany from Vertex clarified that the amendment is for those two items and the allowances that come with those subcontracts.

While funding for the dirt-moving phase is secure, the safety of the surrounding streets sparked an intense debate. Eric from Vertex informed the committee that a recent meeting with 12 representatives from MassDOT suggested a traffic signal at the Sumner Street intersection is currently not warranted. It sounds like it's unlikely that a classic MassDOT traffic signal is going to be warranted at this time, Eric said, noting that while the town could revisit the issue if Fano Drive is extended, it would require significant further study. Carl from DRA Architect noted that while a signal might be out, the town could still implement flashing school zone signs or other pedestrian crossing signals.

Town Manager Thomas J. Calter shared his frustrations with the state’s rigid criteria, noting this was his second run-in with MassDOT in a week. He explained that you need to generate a certain amount of traffic with the intersecting street for them to look at it. This prompted concerns from Member Jillian Distefano, who worried about the shift in traffic patterns once the school opens. If you funnel everyone, no one is going to come down Ash Street anymore, Distefano said, asking if the town would consider hiring a paid officer for the first year the school opens during arrival and departure times.

Superintendent Dr. Joseph Baeta, who lives in the neighborhood, emphasized the urgency of getting the safety plan right. I'm more concerned about the school hours because I see what happens living right here, Baeta said, pointing out that even at the nearby fire station, it took over a year to get flashing lights installed. Resident Diane Goldenberg added that the state representatives flat out said if we want to do it anyway, they will consider it, but they were strong about the warrants not being met.

The committee also began looking at the fine details of the building's interior, specifically security. Carl from DRA introduced the concept of proprietary specifications for access control, locks, and alarms to ensure the new South School matches the systems recently installed at the DAW and Gibbons schools. While the committee did not vote on the matter yet, Dr. Baeta expressed a strong preference for uniformity across the district. I'd prefer not to buy my own locks; I want the same setup we have, Baeta noted.

Financially, the project continues to track its aspirational target of $85 million to $90 million, a goal set earlier this year to help mitigate the tax impact on Stoughton residents. In addition to the multi-million dollar site work amendment, the committee processed smaller operational costs. Motion Made by T. Calter to approve invoices for DRA for $52,125.00 and GPI for $885.95. Motion Passed (4-0, including Members S. Cavey, J. Distefano, and P. Yelikowski). Joel Wolk from Vertex noted that the Vertex invoices are appropriate and in line and that the GPI billing covered traffic, stormwater, and environmental peer reviews.

As the project moves toward an April start for tree clearing, committee members urged a unified communication strategy. Melissa Lynch noted that the building plan and the redistricting plan need to marry to ensure parents understand how the new facility fits into the district's larger changes. Jeff Pickett confirmed that the redistricting website has been updated to reflect these overlaps. Member Distefano suggested a joint virtual forum might be more effective than in-person meetings, as people would rather log in during the busy spring season. Chair Chris Shannon concluded the meeting by acknowledging the impending start of physical work, noting that as soon as people hear the noise of the tree clearing, the community will want more frequent updates. The meeting also marked the departure of Bethany from the Vertex team, with Shannon noting it was a pleasure working with you for this short period of time.