|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
SPENCER/EAST BROOKFIELD – The David Prouty High School project is five months away from completion of its first phase with just above $2 million left at this point.
Superintendent of Schools Paul Haughey reported the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) informed him they are fully authorized for a project budget of $116,061,338.
At its February 27 meeting, the Spencer-East Brookfield School Building Committee’s actions included the approval of $515,000 in technology and audio-visual purchase orders; a review of color tones and palettes; and acceptance of $339,602 in change orders for both interior and exterior items.
During a construction update, the committee looked at photos depicting masonry work, which Rob Day of Fontaine Brothers said should be done by early March.
“It will be really good to see those guys wrapping up and demobilizing the site,” Day said.
He also gave updates on work like the installation of storefront systems and windows; bathroom tiling, weather proofing, painting, framing and more.
“A lot of effort is being made pushing the crews and making sure we have the correct manpower so it’s ready for an August turnover,” Day said.
“From route 9, the veneer work looks amazing on the gym and the brickwork on the classroom wing,” noted committee member Jason Monette.
Kristian Whitsett of architect Jones Whitsett gave a presentation about furniture finishes and wall graphics, noting the idea is to have the interior space share the same aesthetics. He said the goal is to make the space “vibrant and warm,” while avoiding too many primary colors.
Instead, Whitsett said they want it to feel like a professional environment at the high school level, while featuring the same tones of colors, only brighter, at the pre-school.
He also showed how the furniture selections had shades of orange, grey, silver and maple colors and a “fun mix,” of beanbag chairs and sturdy chairs with flexibility in the back.
He said the life skills class is meant to look partly like a home with cooktop stoves and refrigerators included.
Whitsett also showed smaller circular furniture choices meant for break out spaces and built in counters and stools.
Haughey said there are plans to have an iron David Prouty Panthers logo outside of the entrance going into the gym.
The superintendent said the new logo idea came from the senior class members from a few years ago.
“We did not lose sight of their feedback,” Haughey said.
The architect noted there is ample wall space available for signage, plaques, etc. “for the district to fill in over time.”
In other business, the committee approved a total of $339,602 in change orders with some larger items including:
- $150,314 for a MSBA supplemental grant item to provide a utility garage behind Spencer Cable Access (less windows, foundations and slab);
- $40,027 to haul and spread soil to upper fields, creating an additional flat surface;
- $35,799 for additional stormwater repairs by Dippin’ Donuts and Greenville Street;
- $33,959 for modifications to a flex classroom to add a computer lab; and
- $30,944 for addition of power over Ethernet boosters, which allow security, public address and CCTV cabling to run through specific areas of pre-K and Core-West areas.
The next meeting will start on March 20 with a site visit at 5 p.m. followed by 6 p.m. at the DPHS media library. The April meeting, with a date to be determined, will be held at Wire Village School and through Zoom.
