For all board meeting notes please click here
Mt. Abraham Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes September 11, 2014, 4:00 PM
Central Office Conference Room, 72 Munsill Avenue, Bristol
Committee Members Attending: Shawna Sherwin, Troy Paradee, Alden Harwood, Louis DuPont, Mark Bouvier, Kathleen Clark, Matt Tatro, Reg Wedge, Mt. Abe Principal Gaynell Lyman, Superintendent David Adams.
Others Attending: Lee Dore, Rani Philip, Ted Hirdler, Jeff Carlson, (Engelberth Construction) Joanna Etka (NEAT TV), Erin Jackman
1. S. Sherwin called the meeting to order at 4:02 pm.
2. Review of Cost Estimates- Engelberth presented. Project is estimated to last 3 years. Gym will be used as swing space until completion. Two modular classrooms would remain through project for space. Conceptual Schedule presented. Preconstruction estimated at 211 days; construction estimated at 748; 138 days Middle School Gym and Support Space; 65 days Classrooms and Entrance; 65 days Middle School Arts and Science; 58 days Push Areas 1C-1H. Project would last around 3 years. Estimate of $25,657,201 included escalation of 5%, Design/Est Contingency of 15%, CM Construction Contingency of 5%, Liability Insurance of .65%, and Bond Payment. S. Sherwin asked about getting pool and plumbing enhanced. The estimate does not include redoing pool. S. Sherwin expressed community desire to keep pool. A. Harwood added that it was grouted this summer. L. Dore commented that liberties have been taken on timing and some costs. This is a starting point and goal is to take next step. This is a concept plan and much more work has to be done. Space plan and concept, cost, and functionality were the goals before going to Bond Vote. A. Harwood asked what would happen if the project was pushed into 2 years. The cost would decrease and finish in the summer of 2016. L. Dore went over Options Cost Summary with Construction Costs, Soft Costs, Sprinkler System, Phasing Allowance, and Haz Mat Allowance for 3 options. Option 3 would cost $32.6 Million. D. Adams commented that the committee needed to review numbers and prepare to present to Mt. Abe Board. The information campaign would follow. CFO has been in touch with Bond Bank. Mt. Abe Board will have to look at impact on the 5-town area. The project will be presented as a “not to exceed” number to allow for adjustments. D. Adams stated that the need is significant to complete this project and costs will only go up in the future. S. Sherwin mentioned that the responsibility of the FAC is to report to the Board September 15th.
3. Recommendation to Mt. Abraham School Board- S. Sherwin encouraged members of FAC to attend Mt. Abe Board meeting on Tuesday, 9/23/14. M. Tatro asked if other Bond timing would impact the votes. S. Sherwin commented that she felt moving forward was the goal. L. duPont asked if other districts have done anything like this. L. Dore mentioned Shelburne and Hyde Park. The schedule reflects a vote in November; having the fall and winter to do design work. M. Bouvier asked how to respond to Mt. Abe Board if they ask about Option 1 or 2. Option 1 and 2 did not include educational objectives and opinions of end users. They were mainly bringing building to code and doing some architectural finishes. S. Sherwin asked if Bond vote does not pass, is it necessary to go with the “Do Nothing”. Several people responded that if nothing is done, the building is ok. However, money will have to be spent out of budget if repairs need to be done. Discussion took place about educating town about project. D. Adams commented that the emphasis should be about the project to recommend to Mt. Abe Board. S. Sherwin read the charge. Agenda for Tuesday’s Mt. Abe meeting is open to focus on the FAC work. Discussion took place about timing of Bond vote and educating the public. Research needs to be done around income sensitivity and other tax impacts. FAC was in agreement to bring project to Mt. Abe Board with a timetable for Bond. Committee member asked about State funds if they became available. There is currently no money. D. Adams went into detail if funds became available. D. Adams asked if it would be good to have a meeting Monday about timing of Bond vote. FAC needs to establish a need to go for special financing. S. Sherwin would like input on summary of work. T. Paradee moved to recommend to the Board to ask voters to support a Bond Vote of 32.6 M based on the work of this committee and preceding committees; seconded by G. Lyman. Voted and approved unanimously.
4. Weekly Building Tours- Friend’s Group is doing marketing to BES around Wednesdays. Video will be up ASAP.
5. VT AOE Application for Preliminary Approval 16 VSA 4001 (6)(B)(i)-
6. Other- Discussed representatives from New Haven and Lincoln. M. Tatro mentioned that from a faculty standpoint there has been a lot of time between meeting about Option 1 and now. There needs to be clarification around needs and opinions to get support. Staff should talk to administration to clear up questions. There is a plan for school visits for faculty to help with concerns/questions. There has to be strong teacher understanding and support. More discussion will happen later about specifics. L. Dore guaranteed that the end design will not look like the space planning diagram. Interaction with community, faculty, staff and students will impact design. A. Harwood added that the FAC is NOT the design committee.
Minutes submitted by
Erin Jackman
Mt. Abraham Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
August 7, 2014
Central Office Conference Room
Minutes
Present: Superintendent David Adams, Mark Bouvier, Louis DuPont, Alden Harwood, Principal Gaynell Lyman, Howard Mansfield, Reg Wedge
Superintendent David Adams
Visitors: Rani Philip (Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.)
Meeting was called to order at 4:00pm
• David Adams provided a summary of what was presented at the Board Retreat and provided a copy of the Multiple Pathways document. The pathways discussion led into the design presentation.
Three factors that greatly impacted the newest option included:
• Increased use of Hannaford Career Center program therefore no dedicated shop spaces. Project spaces would have some light equipment for student projects.
• Bringing outside programs inside the building. This includes Math courses and Cats/Tis programs in the modular classrooms, and Life Skills which is currently housed in the White House.
• Increased technology (only 1 dedicated computer lab); More mobile laptop carts; Goal for 1:1 devices for students
• D&W developed a new option based on feedback and discussions to date. Rani Philip walked the group through the plan. Highlights of Option 3 include:
• Admin and Nurse are located at main entrance.
• For enhanced security during school hours, visitors must enter through the office/buzzed in to sign in before entering into the rest of the building.
• Library near main entrance with café/concession component
• Kitchen and cafeteria reconfigured to allow 1 larger cafeteria with various types of seating (booths, small and large tables) and a “grab-n-go” service area
• HS Locker rooms and team rooms are reconfigured to directly connect to both the pool and gymnasium. Wrestling and weight room are located on the 2nd level. Wrestling space could be used as a fitness area as well.
• Auditorium has a KIVA in the back with retractable stadium seating to allow for greater flexibility to service multiple functions (flat floor, lecture, etc.)
• Music spaces would be accessible.
• CATS/TIS, Personalized learning and Custodial areas are located on the west side of the building with access directly outdoors.
• MS is self-contained mostly in 2006 addition and adjacent areas with 9 general classrooms, 6 small group rooms, 2 science rooms with a shared prep room, art, project area, teacher planning, guidance and resource area.
• MS gym and lockers proposed on 2nd level above 2006 addition, which would be used as swing space during construction for approximately 6 classrooms
• HS classrooms are located on the 2nd level with small groups distributed throughout the plan. HS Science (5 labs and prep rooms), Art, teacher planning, guidance, special education and some administration spaces are also located on the 2nd level.
• Three light wells are proposed to bring natural light down to internal spaces on the first floor.
• Skylights would be utilized to bring natural light into internal spaces on the 2nd floor.
• Vision panels are planned for project areas, athletic spaces, art, etc. to open up the building and provide visual connection to activities occurring within for students/staff/visitors, etc.
Comments:
• There are accessibility concerns with MS gym on 2nd floor if after hours events are taking place in the space. Consider 1 story addition adjacent to 2006 wing which could easily be isolated from the rest of the building for afterhours use and be easily accessible.
• A separate MS entrance to give more of an identity with office space for MS principal, assistant and guidance.
• Consider locating a new kitchen and (potentially open) cafeteria to the core of the building (where Library is currently located). Not only would this be centrally located and a gathering space during school but could also serve as intermission/overflow space for after-hours events.
Next Steps
• Group approved pricing Option 3 and would like to see at minimum, a new MS entry (see comment 4b above). D&W will put together outline specifications and meet with Engelberth to review. Phasing will also be reviewed with Engelberth as well.
• David Adams proposed meeting Aug 28th and Sept 4th at 4pm at the Central office to review the estimate.
• Rani will confirm dates with Engelberth for estimate completion.
Please see "option 3.pdf" as it refers to this meeting under the "Presentations and Video" Link above.
Mt. Abraham Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
July 15th, 2014
Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc. Conference Room
Minutes
Present: Shawna Sherwin, (chair), Troy Paradee, Alden Harwood, Gaynell Lyman
Superintendent David Adams, Business Manager Howard Mansfield
Visitors: Lee Dore, Rani Philip (Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.),
• D&W reviewed outstanding programming questions with the group, including Tech Ed, MS crews, Sp.Ed., CATS, TIS, etc. Continuing or expanding programs space needs will affect space allocation and adjacencies within the proposed building concepts.
• Group discussed the need for flexible, multi-functional spaces instead of designated spaces. Ex. Dedicated MALT space in Media Center vs. multipurpose learning space with A/V equipment and direct access to Media center and corridor for use by classes, staff and/or community.
• Group expressed desire that MS should have its own identity and Sp. Ed. spaces should be more central to HS areas.
• If Maker Spaces have some wood shop and metal shop capability, a designated Tech Lab may not be required.
• 1 or 2 cafeterias? reconfiguring kitchen, gathering spaces for students, variety of seating
• Café component at library – dual use as concession stand for after hours event
• Dave Adams and Gaynell Lyman have upcoming meetings with key personal and will discuss some of the open items.
• Group discussed levels of incorporating 21st century learning with small group rooms/flexible sizes vs. more open areas. Three-dimensional imagery and plans from Wilmington HS and Greenfield HS were used to help illustrate these ideas. Both projects are under construction.
• Adding a staff member and a representative from each sending town to the Facilities Committee will be discussed at School Board retreat.
• D&W presented some before and after pics of renovated spaces in more current projects.
• D&W will send David Adams a list of schools for teacher visits in the fall.
Mt. Abraham Community Forum Findings:
June 11, 2014
What aspects of the current building are in need of improvement? (answers listed by priority of participants)
Community Engagement #2
Mt. Abraham Community Forum Findings:
June 25, 2014
What aspects of the current building are in need of improvement? (answers listed by priority of participants)
What are the most important attributes for an educational facility in the 21st century?
What steps can we as board members, parents & citizens take to increase our “pride of ownership” in this commonly held asset that is Mt. Abraham?
Welcoming atmosphere.
Mt. Abraham Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
May 14, 2014
Central Office Conference Room
Minutes
Present: Shawna Sherwin, (chair), Alden Harwood, Troy Paradee, Louis duPont, Kathleen Clark
Superintendent David Adams
Visitors: Lee Dore, Rani Philip (Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.)
• Meeting was called to order at 4:00pm
• Surveys links have been distributed to the staff and students at Mt. Abe and are due back on May 23rd. The Community Survey was reviewed by the group. Dore & Whittier will make the following changes:
• Add a question at the beginning “Did you attend Mt Abe or do you have children who attended or are currently attending Mt. Abe?”
• Revise safety question to read “What could a building project do to enhance safety at Mt. Abe?”
• The survey will be circulated in the morning for a final review with intent to finalize before end of day Thursday.
• The community survey link will be posted on Front Porch Forum, Facebook, school newsletters, and school website. Paper copies will also be provided at schools and events, etc. to try and obtain feedback from community members that may not use the internet or prefer paper copies. Shawna volunteered to enter results of the paper copies into Survey Monkey. Surveys will be open for input for 2 weeks, with an end date of May 30th.
• Members of the community will be visiting the Select Boards of the 5 towns in the next 2-3 weeks to provide updates on the committee’s work.
• Louis discussed Community Forums outline and format, to be hosted at Mt. Abe. Shawna suggested starting with a video and then touring the building. Troy agreed that touring the building is important as many people may not be familiar with the building. The committee wants attendees to commit to attending, and will look for assistance to reach out to community members, including student volunteers. Committee will work together to find a date within the first 2 weeks of June for the first forum. The committee hopes to host a monthly forum to keep public informed and obtain feedback.
• Shawna provided postcards by “RevUp Mt. Abe”, a group supportive of the project. The postcard has general information, and website information.
• David indicated they would like to tour schools that have recently been renovated/built. D&W’s most recent work is mostly in MA, but any new schools of interest can be visited. The committee will arrange for a trip to CVU to start. It is more important to visit schools if the bond passes and we are moving into more detailed design.
• Dore & Whittier met with staff and students on May 8th & 9th to gather input and feedback about proposed design and spaces, as well as thoughts on current building. A lot of excellent feedback was heard and notes from the meetings were distributed to the group for review. Some of the items most heard from staff and students included more natural light/better lighting, need for a second gym, desire to keep (and improve the pool) since it is a community asset, enhance technology, etc. Questions that resulted from the meetings that will need to be discussed with the administration/committee/school board include:
• Should CATS/TIS/White House programs be brought into the building or remain outside of the building?
• What is the future of Tech Ed?
• David noted that stakeholders (Hannafords, Committee/Board/Admin) will need to discuss; currently Mt. Abe has a low enrollment at Hannafords, and Mt Abe tech programs appear to be competing with programs offered at Hannafords.
• What is the future of Study Hall?
• Regarding Technology, are there computer labs? Or moving to 1:1 devices?
• Should the building project include a 2nd gym,
• The pool – keep it or not?
• Special Education and General Education courses indicated need for smaller group/pull-out spaces near the classrooms.
• What is the future of the MS crews?
• Anxiety from staff on sharing classrooms – ownership of classrooms; need for storage and professional/desk space.
• What is the future of Family Consumer Science?
• David noted that it is more and more difficult to staff this program.
• Shawna asked about communication with staff. Does the staff know what is happening? David stated this is a unique situation with the transitioning of principal and after July 1st, there should be more active involvement and communication.
Jobs:
Mt. Abraham Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
April 30, 2014
Central Office Conference Room
Minutes
Present: Shawna Sherwin, (chair), Alden Harwood, Troy Paradee, Louis duPont, Kathleen Clark, Mark Bouvier, Reg Wedge
Superintendent David Adams
Visitors: Lee Dore, Rani Philip (Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.)
1. Meeting was called to order at 4:00pm
2. Dore & Whittier will be meeting with staff May 8th & 9th to gather input and feedback about proposed design and spaces. They will also be meeting with a student group in the next two weeks to help further narrow the scope and get a tighter design for the project.
3. As this design becomes more refined the construction management firm that has been hired (Engelberth Construction) will be able to figure accurate cost estimates.
4. There was resounding agreement on moving forward with a full renovation as opposed to one of the other options and one job that we need to be working on now as a group is making a list of the “sacred cows” of the school. Things that could really have an impact on the overall project. (ie: 2nd gym, pool, etc.) Many ways to gather this information and input from the stakeholders in our five towns was discussed. Dore and Whittier will draft a list of questions that will be used to gather this information in a way that it can be measured. This will probably be done using Survey Monkey. A survey like this would be able to be administered via ipads in the lobby at school during special events this Spring, through links on Front Porch Forums, Facebook, Mt. Abe Webpage, etc. and the results would already be tabulated for interpretation.
5. Louis shared an email that he wanted to send to a professor at UVM who may have student interns who would be able to help facilitate other engagements in the communities so that all voices are heard. Lee Dore said that community engagements will be very important especially for many of the special interest groups and that his firm will be able to participate. Not only should these engagements be used for seeking input but also for sharing information about the project, where we are now and how we have arrived here. A schedule for larger community engagements will be discussed at our next meeting.
The facilities advisory committee can provide the facts since it serves as an impartial group that will review all the available information and make recommendations to the school board. It was discussed that it may be beneficial if someone outside the group with energy towards the project started a “Friends of the Mt. Abe Bond Project” group. This group can fundraise, hand out bumper stickers, cheerlead, etc.
6. Mt. Abe Webpage was discussed. Michael Karper will need to add a link for the project to http://mtabebondproject.weebly.com in a prominent location on the home page. Perhaps a big block in the center that says something like “Rev up Mt. Abe” or “Mt. Abe Bond Project”. David will see about this. Troy mentioned that he has someone that will update the bond project website.
7. The date of the Bond vote was discussed and at this point we are moving forward with a bond vote in November.
Jobs:
Troy will finalize dates of Select Board meetings so that we can have a representative go and give a brief update.
Shawna will attend Monkton School Board meeting on 5/8 and Mt. Abe on 5/6 to give updates.
Louis will give the update to the Starksboro Board on 5/7.
Note: Lincoln does not have a regular meeting until June and we haven’t heard back from chair of New Haven yet.
Changing Education Paradigms (one of my favorites)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U
Not Old School: Architecture in Support of Learning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JRB95p7hKkQ
Designing Tomorrow’s School
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ojBaxxdPz4
Mt. Abraham Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
April 16, 2014
Central Office Conference Room
Minutes
Present: Shawna Sherwin, (chair), Alden Harwood, Troy Paradee, Louis duPont, Kathleen Clark, Mark Bouvier, Superintendent David Adams
Meeting was called to order at 4:00pm
Welcome and introductions were made.
A brief overview of the process was discussed including what has brought us to this point and a discussion of the timeline moving forward.
The group shared many ways in which to engage community in the process of visioning and discussed the option of hiring Frank Locker as a consultant in the visioning process. Dorr and Whittier will begin their process of gathering input from staff and students and the committee discussed ways in which we can effectively gather data from our community so that we can further narrow the scope of this project. Some of those ideas are as follows:
Design a survey monkey, get on all district School & Select Board’s agendas for their next meetings to give an update, design a way to collect data at Mt. Abraham during this very busy time at school when many community members will be on school premises (ie: District wide Art Show, Spring musical concerts, sporting events, graduation events, etc.), comment box in the lobby of school, all focusing on what folks think are non-negotiable items about the improvements to the school (ie: technology, lighting, air quality, second gym, etc.) This, along with the work of Dorr and Whittier will help get the design close enough so that with the help of a construction management firm, the number crunching can begin.
Transparency of the process is paramount and the process along with a timeline will be available on the school website http://www.mtabe.k12.vt.us, project website http://mtabebondproject.weebly.com/, project Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mt-Abe-Revup-Project/583413748395611, Mt. Abraham Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MtAbrahamUnionHighSchool and Front Porch Forums. Louis will draft a press release for local media. NeatTV has already been contacted regarding being available to videotape our meetings so that folks can watch them on cable or from our webpage.
For next meeting:
-Lee Dorr will be contacted and will hopefully be able to attend our April 30th meeting.
-Louis will draft a press release (this may go out before the next meeting).
-Troy will contact Select Boards to get on next agendas.
-Shawna will contact School Boards to get on next agendas.
-Shawna will post Charge from the MAUHS to the Facility Advisory Committee along with schedule of work.
Mt. Abraham Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes September 11, 2014, 4:00 PM
Central Office Conference Room, 72 Munsill Avenue, Bristol
Committee Members Attending: Shawna Sherwin, Troy Paradee, Alden Harwood, Louis DuPont, Mark Bouvier, Kathleen Clark, Matt Tatro, Reg Wedge, Mt. Abe Principal Gaynell Lyman, Superintendent David Adams.
Others Attending: Lee Dore, Rani Philip, Ted Hirdler, Jeff Carlson, (Engelberth Construction) Joanna Etka (NEAT TV), Erin Jackman
1. S. Sherwin called the meeting to order at 4:02 pm.
2. Review of Cost Estimates- Engelberth presented. Project is estimated to last 3 years. Gym will be used as swing space until completion. Two modular classrooms would remain through project for space. Conceptual Schedule presented. Preconstruction estimated at 211 days; construction estimated at 748; 138 days Middle School Gym and Support Space; 65 days Classrooms and Entrance; 65 days Middle School Arts and Science; 58 days Push Areas 1C-1H. Project would last around 3 years. Estimate of $25,657,201 included escalation of 5%, Design/Est Contingency of 15%, CM Construction Contingency of 5%, Liability Insurance of .65%, and Bond Payment. S. Sherwin asked about getting pool and plumbing enhanced. The estimate does not include redoing pool. S. Sherwin expressed community desire to keep pool. A. Harwood added that it was grouted this summer. L. Dore commented that liberties have been taken on timing and some costs. This is a starting point and goal is to take next step. This is a concept plan and much more work has to be done. Space plan and concept, cost, and functionality were the goals before going to Bond Vote. A. Harwood asked what would happen if the project was pushed into 2 years. The cost would decrease and finish in the summer of 2016. L. Dore went over Options Cost Summary with Construction Costs, Soft Costs, Sprinkler System, Phasing Allowance, and Haz Mat Allowance for 3 options. Option 3 would cost $32.6 Million. D. Adams commented that the committee needed to review numbers and prepare to present to Mt. Abe Board. The information campaign would follow. CFO has been in touch with Bond Bank. Mt. Abe Board will have to look at impact on the 5-town area. The project will be presented as a “not to exceed” number to allow for adjustments. D. Adams stated that the need is significant to complete this project and costs will only go up in the future. S. Sherwin mentioned that the responsibility of the FAC is to report to the Board September 15th.
3. Recommendation to Mt. Abraham School Board- S. Sherwin encouraged members of FAC to attend Mt. Abe Board meeting on Tuesday, 9/23/14. M. Tatro asked if other Bond timing would impact the votes. S. Sherwin commented that she felt moving forward was the goal. L. duPont asked if other districts have done anything like this. L. Dore mentioned Shelburne and Hyde Park. The schedule reflects a vote in November; having the fall and winter to do design work. M. Bouvier asked how to respond to Mt. Abe Board if they ask about Option 1 or 2. Option 1 and 2 did not include educational objectives and opinions of end users. They were mainly bringing building to code and doing some architectural finishes. S. Sherwin asked if Bond vote does not pass, is it necessary to go with the “Do Nothing”. Several people responded that if nothing is done, the building is ok. However, money will have to be spent out of budget if repairs need to be done. Discussion took place about educating town about project. D. Adams commented that the emphasis should be about the project to recommend to Mt. Abe Board. S. Sherwin read the charge. Agenda for Tuesday’s Mt. Abe meeting is open to focus on the FAC work. Discussion took place about timing of Bond vote and educating the public. Research needs to be done around income sensitivity and other tax impacts. FAC was in agreement to bring project to Mt. Abe Board with a timetable for Bond. Committee member asked about State funds if they became available. There is currently no money. D. Adams went into detail if funds became available. D. Adams asked if it would be good to have a meeting Monday about timing of Bond vote. FAC needs to establish a need to go for special financing. S. Sherwin would like input on summary of work. T. Paradee moved to recommend to the Board to ask voters to support a Bond Vote of 32.6 M based on the work of this committee and preceding committees; seconded by G. Lyman. Voted and approved unanimously.
4. Weekly Building Tours- Friend’s Group is doing marketing to BES around Wednesdays. Video will be up ASAP.
5. VT AOE Application for Preliminary Approval 16 VSA 4001 (6)(B)(i)-
6. Other- Discussed representatives from New Haven and Lincoln. M. Tatro mentioned that from a faculty standpoint there has been a lot of time between meeting about Option 1 and now. There needs to be clarification around needs and opinions to get support. Staff should talk to administration to clear up questions. There is a plan for school visits for faculty to help with concerns/questions. There has to be strong teacher understanding and support. More discussion will happen later about specifics. L. Dore guaranteed that the end design will not look like the space planning diagram. Interaction with community, faculty, staff and students will impact design. A. Harwood added that the FAC is NOT the design committee.
Minutes submitted by
Erin Jackman
Mt. Abraham Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
August 7, 2014
Central Office Conference Room
Minutes
Present: Superintendent David Adams, Mark Bouvier, Louis DuPont, Alden Harwood, Principal Gaynell Lyman, Howard Mansfield, Reg Wedge
Superintendent David Adams
Visitors: Rani Philip (Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.)
Meeting was called to order at 4:00pm
• David Adams provided a summary of what was presented at the Board Retreat and provided a copy of the Multiple Pathways document. The pathways discussion led into the design presentation.
Three factors that greatly impacted the newest option included:
• Increased use of Hannaford Career Center program therefore no dedicated shop spaces. Project spaces would have some light equipment for student projects.
• Bringing outside programs inside the building. This includes Math courses and Cats/Tis programs in the modular classrooms, and Life Skills which is currently housed in the White House.
• Increased technology (only 1 dedicated computer lab); More mobile laptop carts; Goal for 1:1 devices for students
• D&W developed a new option based on feedback and discussions to date. Rani Philip walked the group through the plan. Highlights of Option 3 include:
• Admin and Nurse are located at main entrance.
• For enhanced security during school hours, visitors must enter through the office/buzzed in to sign in before entering into the rest of the building.
• Library near main entrance with café/concession component
• Kitchen and cafeteria reconfigured to allow 1 larger cafeteria with various types of seating (booths, small and large tables) and a “grab-n-go” service area
• HS Locker rooms and team rooms are reconfigured to directly connect to both the pool and gymnasium. Wrestling and weight room are located on the 2nd level. Wrestling space could be used as a fitness area as well.
• Auditorium has a KIVA in the back with retractable stadium seating to allow for greater flexibility to service multiple functions (flat floor, lecture, etc.)
• Music spaces would be accessible.
• CATS/TIS, Personalized learning and Custodial areas are located on the west side of the building with access directly outdoors.
• MS is self-contained mostly in 2006 addition and adjacent areas with 9 general classrooms, 6 small group rooms, 2 science rooms with a shared prep room, art, project area, teacher planning, guidance and resource area.
• MS gym and lockers proposed on 2nd level above 2006 addition, which would be used as swing space during construction for approximately 6 classrooms
• HS classrooms are located on the 2nd level with small groups distributed throughout the plan. HS Science (5 labs and prep rooms), Art, teacher planning, guidance, special education and some administration spaces are also located on the 2nd level.
• Three light wells are proposed to bring natural light down to internal spaces on the first floor.
• Skylights would be utilized to bring natural light into internal spaces on the 2nd floor.
• Vision panels are planned for project areas, athletic spaces, art, etc. to open up the building and provide visual connection to activities occurring within for students/staff/visitors, etc.
Comments:
• There are accessibility concerns with MS gym on 2nd floor if after hours events are taking place in the space. Consider 1 story addition adjacent to 2006 wing which could easily be isolated from the rest of the building for afterhours use and be easily accessible.
• A separate MS entrance to give more of an identity with office space for MS principal, assistant and guidance.
• Consider locating a new kitchen and (potentially open) cafeteria to the core of the building (where Library is currently located). Not only would this be centrally located and a gathering space during school but could also serve as intermission/overflow space for after-hours events.
Next Steps
• Group approved pricing Option 3 and would like to see at minimum, a new MS entry (see comment 4b above). D&W will put together outline specifications and meet with Engelberth to review. Phasing will also be reviewed with Engelberth as well.
• David Adams proposed meeting Aug 28th and Sept 4th at 4pm at the Central office to review the estimate.
• Rani will confirm dates with Engelberth for estimate completion.
Please see "option 3.pdf" as it refers to this meeting under the "Presentations and Video" Link above.
Mt. Abraham Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
July 15th, 2014
Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc. Conference Room
Minutes
Present: Shawna Sherwin, (chair), Troy Paradee, Alden Harwood, Gaynell Lyman
Superintendent David Adams, Business Manager Howard Mansfield
Visitors: Lee Dore, Rani Philip (Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.),
• D&W reviewed outstanding programming questions with the group, including Tech Ed, MS crews, Sp.Ed., CATS, TIS, etc. Continuing or expanding programs space needs will affect space allocation and adjacencies within the proposed building concepts.
• Group discussed the need for flexible, multi-functional spaces instead of designated spaces. Ex. Dedicated MALT space in Media Center vs. multipurpose learning space with A/V equipment and direct access to Media center and corridor for use by classes, staff and/or community.
• Group expressed desire that MS should have its own identity and Sp. Ed. spaces should be more central to HS areas.
• If Maker Spaces have some wood shop and metal shop capability, a designated Tech Lab may not be required.
• 1 or 2 cafeterias? reconfiguring kitchen, gathering spaces for students, variety of seating
• Café component at library – dual use as concession stand for after hours event
• Dave Adams and Gaynell Lyman have upcoming meetings with key personal and will discuss some of the open items.
• Group discussed levels of incorporating 21st century learning with small group rooms/flexible sizes vs. more open areas. Three-dimensional imagery and plans from Wilmington HS and Greenfield HS were used to help illustrate these ideas. Both projects are under construction.
• Adding a staff member and a representative from each sending town to the Facilities Committee will be discussed at School Board retreat.
• D&W presented some before and after pics of renovated spaces in more current projects.
• D&W will send David Adams a list of schools for teacher visits in the fall.
Mt. Abraham Community Forum Findings:
June 11, 2014
What aspects of the current building are in need of improvement? (answers listed by priority of participants)
- Air quality & ventilation
- Natural lighting
- Entry/security/office design
- Technology
- Atmosphere & aesthetics
- 2nd gym but keep the pool
- Efficient utilization of space
- Major improvements needed in the science wing.
- Flow
- Hall lockers are useless
- Bathrooms are disgusting
- Separate middle school from high school
- Code issues
- What are the most important attributes for an educational facility in the 21st century?
- Flexibility
- Adequate platform for technology
- Community access
- Group work spaces
- Personalized learning
- Safety
- Build to meet the change and variables in needs for students, community & teachers.
- A building that supports culture, climate and learning.
- Energy efficiency.
- Happy & satisfied staff.
- Life skills
What steps can we as board members, parents & citizens take to increase our “pride of ownership” in this commonly held asset that is Mt. Abraham? - Make building welcoming for students and community members, ie: renovate auditorium to be entertainment venue in Bristol.
- Continue drama, arts & community forums.
- Provide adult learning opportunities.
- Consistent leadership from administration to the entire school community.
- Make the website more informative and reflective of what the students are doing.
- Involve students in service learning and parents. Engage community members to be volunteers and mentors.
- Make middle school feel like part of the school community.
- Bring elementary school students to Mt. Abe more often to familiarize them with space.
- Highlight MTA Alumni, ie: “Alumni of the week”
Community Engagement #2
Mt. Abraham Community Forum Findings:
June 25, 2014
What aspects of the current building are in need of improvement? (answers listed by priority of participants)
- Air quality & ventilation
- Natural lighting
- Entry/security/office design
- Technology
- Front Entrance needs overhaul, not welcoming, confusing, drab, depressing, not secure.
- Overall ambiance. Dark, dingy, dumpy.
- 2nd gym needed
- Renewable energy/efficiency
- Efficient utilization of space
- More student spaces (places for students to be out of the classroom)
- Flow
- Pool & locker rooms
- Furniture
- Deferred maintenance
What are the most important attributes for an educational facility in the 21st century?
- Technology and the ability for the building to provide for the growth and change in technology.
- Pool (safety for life)
- Flexible spaces
- Physical environment & space that fosters the capacity to learn.
- The people (staff), curriculum and instruction.
- Ownership of space & education.
- Building community: access to mentors and subject area experts.
- Furniture and library update.
- Renewable energy and sustainability.
What steps can we as board members, parents & citizens take to increase our “pride of ownership” in this commonly held asset that is Mt. Abraham?
Welcoming atmosphere.
- Practice fiscal responsibility in planning and budgeting for maintenance in building.
- Increase student pride in building and they will take care of it.
- Encourage parents to become more involved.
- Integrate community towns and schools. Community inclusion in theatre, pool, library, etc.
- Showcase academic success.
- Sustainability, school gardens, compost, etc.
Mt. Abraham Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
May 14, 2014
Central Office Conference Room
Minutes
Present: Shawna Sherwin, (chair), Alden Harwood, Troy Paradee, Louis duPont, Kathleen Clark
Superintendent David Adams
Visitors: Lee Dore, Rani Philip (Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.)
• Meeting was called to order at 4:00pm
• Surveys links have been distributed to the staff and students at Mt. Abe and are due back on May 23rd. The Community Survey was reviewed by the group. Dore & Whittier will make the following changes:
• Add a question at the beginning “Did you attend Mt Abe or do you have children who attended or are currently attending Mt. Abe?”
• Revise safety question to read “What could a building project do to enhance safety at Mt. Abe?”
• The survey will be circulated in the morning for a final review with intent to finalize before end of day Thursday.
• The community survey link will be posted on Front Porch Forum, Facebook, school newsletters, and school website. Paper copies will also be provided at schools and events, etc. to try and obtain feedback from community members that may not use the internet or prefer paper copies. Shawna volunteered to enter results of the paper copies into Survey Monkey. Surveys will be open for input for 2 weeks, with an end date of May 30th.
• Members of the community will be visiting the Select Boards of the 5 towns in the next 2-3 weeks to provide updates on the committee’s work.
• Louis discussed Community Forums outline and format, to be hosted at Mt. Abe. Shawna suggested starting with a video and then touring the building. Troy agreed that touring the building is important as many people may not be familiar with the building. The committee wants attendees to commit to attending, and will look for assistance to reach out to community members, including student volunteers. Committee will work together to find a date within the first 2 weeks of June for the first forum. The committee hopes to host a monthly forum to keep public informed and obtain feedback.
• Shawna provided postcards by “RevUp Mt. Abe”, a group supportive of the project. The postcard has general information, and website information.
• David indicated they would like to tour schools that have recently been renovated/built. D&W’s most recent work is mostly in MA, but any new schools of interest can be visited. The committee will arrange for a trip to CVU to start. It is more important to visit schools if the bond passes and we are moving into more detailed design.
• Dore & Whittier met with staff and students on May 8th & 9th to gather input and feedback about proposed design and spaces, as well as thoughts on current building. A lot of excellent feedback was heard and notes from the meetings were distributed to the group for review. Some of the items most heard from staff and students included more natural light/better lighting, need for a second gym, desire to keep (and improve the pool) since it is a community asset, enhance technology, etc. Questions that resulted from the meetings that will need to be discussed with the administration/committee/school board include:
• Should CATS/TIS/White House programs be brought into the building or remain outside of the building?
• What is the future of Tech Ed?
• David noted that stakeholders (Hannafords, Committee/Board/Admin) will need to discuss; currently Mt. Abe has a low enrollment at Hannafords, and Mt Abe tech programs appear to be competing with programs offered at Hannafords.
• What is the future of Study Hall?
• Regarding Technology, are there computer labs? Or moving to 1:1 devices?
• Should the building project include a 2nd gym,
• The pool – keep it or not?
• Special Education and General Education courses indicated need for smaller group/pull-out spaces near the classrooms.
• What is the future of the MS crews?
• Anxiety from staff on sharing classrooms – ownership of classrooms; need for storage and professional/desk space.
• What is the future of Family Consumer Science?
• David noted that it is more and more difficult to staff this program.
• Shawna asked about communication with staff. Does the staff know what is happening? David stated this is a unique situation with the transitioning of principal and after July 1st, there should be more active involvement and communication.
Jobs:
- Rani will update community survey and circulate for review. Committee will circulate finalized survey.
- Troy, Shawna and Louis will provide updates at Select Board meetings.
- Committee to select date for first Public Forum and mobilize volunteers to start calling community members.
Mt. Abraham Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
April 30, 2014
Central Office Conference Room
Minutes
Present: Shawna Sherwin, (chair), Alden Harwood, Troy Paradee, Louis duPont, Kathleen Clark, Mark Bouvier, Reg Wedge
Superintendent David Adams
Visitors: Lee Dore, Rani Philip (Dore & Whittier Architects, Inc.)
1. Meeting was called to order at 4:00pm
2. Dore & Whittier will be meeting with staff May 8th & 9th to gather input and feedback about proposed design and spaces. They will also be meeting with a student group in the next two weeks to help further narrow the scope and get a tighter design for the project.
3. As this design becomes more refined the construction management firm that has been hired (Engelberth Construction) will be able to figure accurate cost estimates.
4. There was resounding agreement on moving forward with a full renovation as opposed to one of the other options and one job that we need to be working on now as a group is making a list of the “sacred cows” of the school. Things that could really have an impact on the overall project. (ie: 2nd gym, pool, etc.) Many ways to gather this information and input from the stakeholders in our five towns was discussed. Dore and Whittier will draft a list of questions that will be used to gather this information in a way that it can be measured. This will probably be done using Survey Monkey. A survey like this would be able to be administered via ipads in the lobby at school during special events this Spring, through links on Front Porch Forums, Facebook, Mt. Abe Webpage, etc. and the results would already be tabulated for interpretation.
5. Louis shared an email that he wanted to send to a professor at UVM who may have student interns who would be able to help facilitate other engagements in the communities so that all voices are heard. Lee Dore said that community engagements will be very important especially for many of the special interest groups and that his firm will be able to participate. Not only should these engagements be used for seeking input but also for sharing information about the project, where we are now and how we have arrived here. A schedule for larger community engagements will be discussed at our next meeting.
The facilities advisory committee can provide the facts since it serves as an impartial group that will review all the available information and make recommendations to the school board. It was discussed that it may be beneficial if someone outside the group with energy towards the project started a “Friends of the Mt. Abe Bond Project” group. This group can fundraise, hand out bumper stickers, cheerlead, etc.
6. Mt. Abe Webpage was discussed. Michael Karper will need to add a link for the project to http://mtabebondproject.weebly.com in a prominent location on the home page. Perhaps a big block in the center that says something like “Rev up Mt. Abe” or “Mt. Abe Bond Project”. David will see about this. Troy mentioned that he has someone that will update the bond project website.
7. The date of the Bond vote was discussed and at this point we are moving forward with a bond vote in November.
Jobs:
Troy will finalize dates of Select Board meetings so that we can have a representative go and give a brief update.
Shawna will attend Monkton School Board meeting on 5/8 and Mt. Abe on 5/6 to give updates.
Louis will give the update to the Starksboro Board on 5/7.
Note: Lincoln does not have a regular meeting until June and we haven’t heard back from chair of New Haven yet.
Changing Education Paradigms (one of my favorites)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U
Not Old School: Architecture in Support of Learning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JRB95p7hKkQ
Designing Tomorrow’s School
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ojBaxxdPz4
Mt. Abraham Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
April 16, 2014
Central Office Conference Room
Minutes
Present: Shawna Sherwin, (chair), Alden Harwood, Troy Paradee, Louis duPont, Kathleen Clark, Mark Bouvier, Superintendent David Adams
Meeting was called to order at 4:00pm
Welcome and introductions were made.
A brief overview of the process was discussed including what has brought us to this point and a discussion of the timeline moving forward.
The group shared many ways in which to engage community in the process of visioning and discussed the option of hiring Frank Locker as a consultant in the visioning process. Dorr and Whittier will begin their process of gathering input from staff and students and the committee discussed ways in which we can effectively gather data from our community so that we can further narrow the scope of this project. Some of those ideas are as follows:
Design a survey monkey, get on all district School & Select Board’s agendas for their next meetings to give an update, design a way to collect data at Mt. Abraham during this very busy time at school when many community members will be on school premises (ie: District wide Art Show, Spring musical concerts, sporting events, graduation events, etc.), comment box in the lobby of school, all focusing on what folks think are non-negotiable items about the improvements to the school (ie: technology, lighting, air quality, second gym, etc.) This, along with the work of Dorr and Whittier will help get the design close enough so that with the help of a construction management firm, the number crunching can begin.
Transparency of the process is paramount and the process along with a timeline will be available on the school website http://www.mtabe.k12.vt.us, project website http://mtabebondproject.weebly.com/, project Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mt-Abe-Revup-Project/583413748395611, Mt. Abraham Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MtAbrahamUnionHighSchool and Front Porch Forums. Louis will draft a press release for local media. NeatTV has already been contacted regarding being available to videotape our meetings so that folks can watch them on cable or from our webpage.
For next meeting:
-Lee Dorr will be contacted and will hopefully be able to attend our April 30th meeting.
-Louis will draft a press release (this may go out before the next meeting).
-Troy will contact Select Boards to get on next agendas.
-Shawna will contact School Boards to get on next agendas.
-Shawna will post Charge from the MAUHS to the Facility Advisory Committee along with schedule of work.