The vision for a new South Elementary School moved closer to reality as the School Building Committee authorized the 90% design submission to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) during an April 29 meeting. The submission anchors the total project budget at $89,300,000, a figure that includes construction costs, offsite improvements, and necessary contingencies for inflation over the coming months. The vote represents a significant step forward for the project, which has recently benefited from Town Meeting’s strategic decision to transfer $3.3 million in surplus funds from the completed High School project to mitigate the South School’s debt impact.

Project Manager Eric from Vertex presented the updated financial package, noting that the committee opted for a conservative $56.6 million construction estimate provided by WT Rich. The primary updates in this version are the updated drawings and specifications, and the updated cost estimates that we've received, Eric told the committee. These estimates came in within budget. The big important number here is the total project budget of $89,300,000. He further explained that the estimate includes a design and escalation contingency to protect the town against potential price increases before the final bid.

The scale of the project was underscored by Alex, an architect with DRA, who noted that the submission includes a project manual featuring another thousand sheets of specifications. Chair Chris Shannon cautioned residents about the technical depth of the plans now available for review. To everyone watching at home, this is not a small submission, Shannon said. Download it at your own risk because it is a pretty heavy file.

Motion Made by a committee member to authorize Vertex to submit the 90% package. Motion Passed (Unanimous Voice Vote).

The committee also addressed internal reorganization to ensure procedural efficiency. Shannon noted that some members have transitioned to non-voting ex-officio status, which prevents them from being counted against a quorum while still allowing for full participation. He welcomed Laurie Jakes as an official voting member, describing her as a huge supporter of the project. The meeting also included updates from Member Jillian Distefano and Member T.J. Recupero, while Member Dennis Rigo, Member Joel Wolk, and Member Pat Yenikoski were present to confirm the 90% design benchmarks.

As the project prepares for the upcoming Town Meeting, Committee Member Sandra Beesley highlighted efforts to keep the public informed through accessible technology. I have a one-page folded landscape document, Beesley said. It has all the areas and QR codes that people can use to see the project. This transparency effort follows previous board-level discussions regarding screening for rooftop mechanical equipment and traffic safety, as the district continues to coordinate with MassDOT on pedestrian crossing concerns near the site.

The committee is now focused on compiling the complete bid set for pre-qualified contractors. Member Diane Dolan, Member Melissa Lynch, Member Julie Miller, and Member Kenny Monaghan also participated in the session, which underscored the town's pivot toward aggressive fiscal mitigation. By capturing project surpluses and finalizing designs within budget guidelines, officials are working to deliver the new elementary school while managing the long-term tax impact on Stoughton residents.