Sullivan School SOI 2009

8/7/2019 Sullivan School SOI 2009

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Massachusetts School Building Authority

School District North Adams

District Contact James Montepare TEL: (413) 662-3225

Name of School J S Sullivan

Submission Date 12/1/2009

Potential Project Scope: Potential New School

Is this SOI the District Priority SOI? NO

The MSBA ID for the District Priority SOI: 2010 Greylock

District Goal for School: Please explain the educational goals of any potential project at this school

The district goal for Sullivan School is to convert it from a K- 5 facility to a K- 8 school, to improve educational outcomes four students in grades 6- 8. Up untile this fiscal year, students in grade 6 to 8 were served by Conte Middle School, a faschool and in its third year of restructuring status. Due to budget cuts the District was forced to close the middle schooredistribute the 6 & 7 grade to the three elementary schools and grade 8 to the high school. Research has shown that level students do best when served in a K- 8 structure that maintains fidelity to a middle level model of service delivery. Thdistrict also seeks to expand the use of technology in the elementary curriculum to improve technological literacy, andfacilitate access to improved differentiation in instruction for elementary students through the use of computer and we-basedlearning tools.

District's Proposed Schedule: What is the District's proposed schedule to achieve the goal(s) stated above?

The District would like to accomplish as soon as possible yet will depend on funding.

Is this part of a larger facilities plan? YESIf "YES", please provide the following:

Facilities Plan Date: 7/15/2008

Note

The following Priorities have been included in the Statement of Interest:

1. gfedcb Replacement or renovation of a bu ilding which is structurally unsound or otherwise in a condition seriously jeopardthe health and safety of school children, where no alternative exists.

2. gfedc Elimination of existing severe overcrowding.3. gfedc Prevention of the loss of accreditation.4. gfedc Prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments.5. gfedcb Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and

ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs in a school facility.6. gfedc Short term enrollment growth.7. gfedcb Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with s

and approved local requirements.8.

gfedcTransition from court- ordered and approved racial balance school districts to walk- to, so- called, or other schooldistricts.


Massachusetts School Building Authority 1 Statement of Interest


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Planning Firm: New England School Development CouncilPlease provide an overview of the plan including as much detail as necessary to describe the plan, its goalsand how the school facility that is the subject of this SOI fits into that plan:

In light of our declining school enrollments, antiquated elementary schools and deteriorating condition of ouold middle school, the North Adams Public Schools engaged NESDEC to conduct a feasibility study. This soutlined the costs and benefits of reconfiguring our current school buildings to achieve the educational goalsset out for our students (see district plan above). The goal of the plan was to outline the various options thatconverting from our current structure of three elementary schools and one middle school to a system of K- 8 schooland improve technology access in our two out- dated elementary schools. The plan examined the long- termenrollment projections for our district, the capacities of the current schools, alternative solutions, and criteria forevaluating these options. Sullivan School figures into each of the four options presented in the report. Optiofor the addition of 12- 14 classrooms to Sullivan School to accommodate grades 6- 8. Option two suggests converSullivan to a K- 4 school and completing renovations necessary to make the building handicapped accessible improve infrastructure to support classroom use of technology. The third option envisions Sullivan remainin-5school, with the aforementioned renovations. The final option suggests again include renovating the current to meet our 21st Century Educational needs with a K-5 or K- 6 structure.

Please provide the current student to teacher ratios at the school facility that is the subject of this SOI: 17 studentsper teacher.

Please provide the originally planned student to teacher ratios at the school facility that is the subject of this SOI: 18students per teacher.

Is there overcrowding at the school facility? YESIf "YES", please describe in detail, including specific examples of the overcrowding.

Starting with this fiscal year there is currently overcrowding at this facility, due to the redistribution of the 6 & 7 three eelementary schools, Sullivan gained an additional 100 students, for a total enrollment of around 320, in excess of it macapacity of 216 (as per NESDEC estimate).

Has the district had any recent teacher layoffs or reductions YESIf "YES", how many teaching positions were affected? 2At which schools in the district? The middle school. We also had 7 teachers retire yet they were all replaced.Please describe the types of teacher positions that were eliminated(i.e art, math, science, physical education, etc.):

The District lost a math and science position.

Has the district had any recent staff layoffs or reductions NO

If "YES", how many staff positions were affected? 0At which schools in the district?Please describe the types of staff positions that were eliminated(i.e guidance, administrative, maintenance, etc.):

Please provide a description of the program modifications as a consequence of these teacher and/or staff reductions,including the impact on district class sizes and curriculum.

Does Not Apply

Please provide a detailed description of your recent budget approval process including a description of any budgetreductionsand the impact of those reductions on te District's school facilities, class sizes and educational program.

Due to budget cuts the School Committee advised that the school budget needed to be reduced by $1 million. In ordachieve this the decision was made to close Conte Middle School and redistribute the 6 & 7 graders to the three elemschools and grade 8 to the high school. By doing this and planning to use School Choice money the school budget wby $960,102 with no loss of educational programs and a small increase to class size.




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General Description

BRIEF BUILDING HISTORY: Please provide a detailed description of when the original building was built, and thedate(s) and project scopes(s) of any additions and renovations (maximum of 5000 characters).:

Sullivan elementary opened in 1965. Other than a new roof being added in 2001 there have been no changes to the structure.

TOTAL BUILDING SQUARE FOOTAGE: Please provide the original building square footage PLUS the squarefootage of any additions.:

51200

SITE DESCRIPTION: Please provide a detailed description of the current site and any known existing conditionsthat would impact a potential project at the site (maximum of 5000 characters).:

Sullivan School is located on a 5.5 acre wooded site in a residential neighborhood. It is set back from the road by

long driveway that terminates in a small loop outside the main entrance. There is inadequate packing for the current no parking for visitors to the building. There is no vehicle access to the remaining three sides of the building. The sitesteep hillside, composed of rock ledge.

BUILDING ENCLOSURE: Please provide a detailed description of the building enclosure, types of constructionmaterials used, and any known problems or existing conditions (maximum of 5000 characters).:

Sullivan School was built in 1965. Exterior walls are constructed of pre- cast concrete faced in brick. The building designincludes four off - set levels to accommodate the hillside site. The foundation in the upper most levels has sunk considecausing distortion in the interior framing of the building, so that interior doors and cabinets on that level no longer closproperly. The windows are of single- pane plexiglass. Many are discolored and the caulk is deteriorating. The roof is ofsarnafil dating from 2001. All but one of the thirty exterior metal and glass doors are original to the building, posing s

and energy efficiency challenges.Age of EXTERIOR WALLS (In Years): 43Year of Last Repair or Replacement: 1965Description of Last Repair or Replacement:

No major repairs or replacement.Age of ROOF(In Years): 8Year of Last Repair or Replacement: 2001Type Of ROOF PVC rubber roof Description of Last Repair or Replacement:

Old roof was removed and replaced with sarnafil. Additional roof drains were also added.Age of WINDOWS(In Years): 43Year of Last Repair or Replacement: 1965Type Of WINDOWS Single PaneDescription of Last Repair or Replacement:

MECHANICAL and ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: Please provide a detailed description of the current mechanical andelectrical systems, and any known problems or existing conditions (maximum of 5000 characters).:

Sullivan school has two original sectional, oil- fired, forced hot water boilers. The heating system is a single continuous lmaking it impossible to regulate temperatures in different parts of the building to increase efficiency. There is a compuclimate control system, however, that allows the Director of Facilities to program settings and adjust heat seasonallytime of day. Heating pipes are under the floor making them inaccessible for repairs without tearing up the floor. Hea




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rupture 2 to 3 times per year. The electrical system also dates from the original construction, with limited outlets perclassroom, making it impossible to support todays technology. There is no sprinkler system in the building.

Age of BOILERS(In Years): 43Year of Last Repair or Replacement: 1965Description of Last Repair or Replacement:

Age of HVAC SYSTEM (In Years): 3

Year of Last Repair or Replacement: 2005Description of Last Repair or Replacement:A climate control system linked to outside air temperature was installed.

Age of ELECTRICAL SERVICES AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM(In Years): 43Year of Last Repair or Replacement: 1965Description of Last Repair or Replacement:

BUILDING INTERIOR: Please provide a detailed descripti on of the current building interior including a descriptionof the flooring systems, finishes, ceilings, lighting, etc. (maximum of 5000 characters).:

Sullivan s interior walls and ceilings are of pre- cast concrete. The walls are faced with a wire mesh covered with a masfinish. Floors are poured concrete covered in both asbestos and non- asbestos floor tiles. There are fluorescent lights

throughout the buildings, fixtures have been replaced through the years and upgraded with energy efficient bulbs andAll interior doors are original and do not lock, posing a security threat. Moreover, in the upper section of the buildinbecause of the settling foundation, the interior framing has become distorted so that interior classroom doors and ththe metal classroom cabinets do not close properly.

PROGRAMS and OPERATIONS: Please provide a detailed description of the current programs offered andindicate whether there are program components that cannot be offered due to facility constraints, operationalconstraints, etc.:

Sullivan School currently offers a comprehensive elementary education (including instruction in reading, writing, mathscience and social studies) to 214 students in grades K to 5, in 14 self - contained, single- grade classrooms. In addition,students take 45- minute art, music and physical education classes on a weekly basis throughout the school year. Eachscheduled for 45 minute per week in the computer lab. Children who are making inadequate academic progress in rreceived 30 to 60 minutes of small group instruction per day, and special education services are also delivered in smsettings. Sullivan also houses a district wide self - contained program for children with emotional disabilities in grades K tThe school has no science lab facilities which limits our ability to include the laboratory component in science educatilimited electrical supply and the lack of an elevator prevent the distribution of instructional technology (fixed and mobthroughout the building. Classrooms average about 900 square feet, less than the recommended space for elementaclassrooms. There are an insufficient number of spaces for small group instruction, requiring the use of the stage andconverted closets for instruction, or the sharing of space in larger rooms without dividers. The program for emotionadisturbed students has not been configured for that purpose and does not contain a quiet room or lavatory. The builcontains no elevators, preventing us from serving students with physical disabilities that limit mobility as part of our inceducation program. There is no conference room so that IEP meetings with parents must take place in temporarily e

rooms with limited privacy. The Student Support Center is housed in a converted closet, as are the offices of our PaCenter Coordinator and our After School Program Coordinator.

CORE EDUCATIONAL SPACES: Please provide a detailed description of the Core Educational Spaces within thefacility, a description the number and sizes (in square feet) of classrooms, a description of science rooms/labsincluding ages and most recent updates, and a description of the media center/library (maximum of 5000characters).:

Sullivan School contains 24 classrooms which are all approximately 900 square feet. There is a small library that seras a book depository. The library has insufficient storage even for its small collection, with books housed on windowThere are no science labs in the building.




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CAPACITY and UTILIZATION: Please provide a detailed description of the current capacity and utilization of theschool facility. If the school is overcrowded, please describe steps taken by the administration to address capacityissues. Please also describe in detail any spaces that have been converted from their intended use to be used asclassroom space (maximum of 5000 characters).:

The current enrollment of Sullivan School is 214. NESDEC puts its capacity at 216, if current classrooms were takeand reconfigured to provide additional spaces for small group instruction, which now occurs in hallways, convertedand on the stage. Music and art classes now take place in regular classroom spaces with little modification for thesepurposes (e.g. soundproofing, extra storage capacity, etc)

MAINTENANCE and CAPITAL REPAIR: Please provide a detailed description of the district s currentmaintenance practices, its capital repair program, and the maintenance program in place at the facility that is thesubject of this SOI. Please include specific examples of capital repair projects undertaken in the past, including if anyoverride or debt exclusion votes were necessary (maximum of 5000 characters).:

The districts current maintenance practices include monthly inspection of all roofs and drains, and weekly blowdownboilers to ensure that safety and shut- off systems are working correctly. The custodial staff inspects and replaces bulbsElectrical and plumbing system repairs are made as needed. Maintenance and routine repairs run between $40,000$60,000 annually. There is an annual capital maintenance budget of $150,000 per year for the entire district. Prioritacross buildings and reviewed on an annual basis. Capital projects are completed as funds and priorities allow. Thecapital repair was the replacement of the roof in 2001, which was financed through a bond anticipation note. Last yenote was converted to long term debt of $300,000.




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Priority 1

Please provide a detailed description of the perceived health and safety problems below. Attach copies of orders or citations from state and/or local building and/or health officials.

Sullivan's heating pipes rupture several times a year, spraying hot water into interior spaces in the building. Some pipes ar

covered in asbestos, which is deteriorating with the water damage.




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Priority 1

Please describe the measures the School District has taken to mitigate the problem(s) described above.

During FY88, a municipal asbestos abatement program sponsored by the State removed much of the asbestos in the

building but at that time recommended leaving asbestos protecting the heating pipes that was still in good condition. When remust be made to the pipes, the district must engage a firm specializing in asbestos removal. When the asbestos floor tiles breaare replaced. Over time, 30% of the original asbestos floor tiles have been replaced.




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Priority 1

Please provide a detailed explanation of the impact of the problem described in this priority on your district'seducational program. Please include specific examples of how the problem prevents the district from delivering theeducational program it is required to deliver and how students and/or teachers are directly affected by the problemidentified.

Because of the rupture of the heating pipes individual classrooms and occasionally the entire school need to be closed withconcomitant loss of instructional time. Moreover, as pipes burst and hot water sprays or leaks into the classrooms, educatiomaterials are damaged, and the district has not always been able to absorb the cost of replacing them.

Please also provide the following:

Name of Firm that performed the Study/Report:Conserve Through ControlDate of Study/Report: 11/14/2008Synopsis of Study/Report:

The letter details repairs to the heating system over the past three years.Is the perceived Health and Safety problem related to asbestos?: NO

If "YES", please describe the location in the facility, if it is currently friable, and the mitigation efforts that thedistrict has undertaken to date.:

Is the perceived Health and Safety problem related to an electrical condition?: NOIf "YES", please describe the electrical condition, any imminent threat, and the mitigation efforts that the districthas undertaken to date.:

Is the perceived Health and Safety problem related to a structural condition?: NOIf "YES", please describe the structural condition, any imminent threat, and the mitigation efforts that the districthas undertaken to date.:

Is the perceived Health and Safety problem related to the building envelope?: NOIf "YES", please describe the building envelope condition, any imminent threat, and the mitigation efforts that thedistrict has undertaken to date.:

Is the perceived Health and Safety problem related to the roof?: NOIf "YES", please describe the roof condition, any imminent threat, and the mitigation efforts that the district hasundertaken to date.:

Is the perceived Health and Safety problem related to accessibility?: NOIf "YES", please describe the areas that lack accessibility and the mitigation efforts that the district has undertaken

to date. In addition, please submit to the MSBA copies of any federally -required ADA Self -Evaluation Plan andTransition Plan.:




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Priority 5

Please provide a detailed description of the energy conservation measures that are needed and include an estimation of resultant energy savings as compared to the historic consumption.

Sullivan Elementary School was built long before energy conservation became an important factor in school construction. Tbuilding has inefficient single pane windows. One of the two boilers in the building is original, and the heating system is on acontinuous loop, making it impossible to regulate temperatures in different parts of the building to increase efficiency. With replacement of the current windows (including framing) and resign of the heating system, we would reduce energy consuat least 30% to 40%.




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Priority 5

Please describe the measures the School District has already taken to reduce energy consumption.

The district has installed a computerized climate control system that allows the Director of Facilities to prog

adjust the heat seasonally and for time of day. We also maintain a service contract for the boilers to insure that they continufunction.

A grant from National Grid contributed toward replacement of inefficient 400 watt mercury vapor lamps wifluorescent lights on motion detectors in the gym.




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Priority 5


Our inability to regulate the temperature within the buildings causes considerable discomfort to staff and students in the wmonths. Some classrooms are too hot while others are too cold. This interferes with students and staff s ability to concentrate learning and instruction. These additional fuel costs associated with poor energy efficiency diverts funds from m ore educarelevant expenditures such as instructional materials and professional development (both areas in which our district undaccording to best- practice models of educational funding allocation). Students lose time on learning when we have to closclassrooms, and occasionally the entire building, due to breakages in the heating system. Moreover, ruptured heating pipwater in the interior of the building and damage educational materials.

Please also provide the following:

Age of Exterior Walls (Years): 43Were any major repairs or renovations of the exterior walls undertaken in the past?: YES

If "YES", please provide the year of the last major repair/renovation of the exterior walls: 1965Age of Roof (Years): 8

Were any major repairs or renovations of the roof undertaken in the past?: YES If "YES", please provide the year of the last major repair/renovation of the roof: 2001

Age of Windows (Years): 43Were any major repairs or renovations of the windows undertaken in the past?: YES

If "YES", please provide the year of the last major repair/renovation of the windows: 1965Age of Boilers (Years): 43

Were any major repairs or renovations of the boilers undertaken in the past?: YES If "YES", please provide the year of the last major repair/renovation of the boilers: 1965

Age of HVAC (Years): 3Were any major repairs or renovations of the HVAC undertaken in the past?: YES

If "YES", please provide the year of the last major repair/renovation of the HVAC: 2005Age of Electrical System (Years): 43Were any major repairs or renovations the electrical system undertaken in the past?: YES

If "YES", please provide the year o f the last major repair/renovation of the electrical system: 1965Have the systems identified above been examined by an engineer or other trained building professionals?: NO

If "YES", please provide the name of the individual and his/her professional affiliation:Please also provide the date of the inspection::

Please describe how addressing the system will extend the useful life of the facility that is the subject of this SOI(maximum of 5000 characters).:

Addressing these systems will allow us to continue to provide instruction in the buildings under safe comfortable cofor staff and students.




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Priority 7

Please provide a detailed description of the programs not currently available due to facility constraints, the state orlocal requirement for such programs and the facility limitations precluding the programs from being offered.

In light of the academic problems that faces, the school district and its school committee have m ade the decision that it best interests of students, in regard to their health, safety, social and academic achievement, to move towards a K- 8 model of education. The North Adams school system plans therefore to replace the current K- 5 elementary and 6- 8 middle school modewith a K- 8 configuration. This will involve the conversion of Sullivan School into a K- 8 school. However, the current facility iinadequate to support the educational programs necessary for the additional middle schoolers. First, if we were to closeMiddle School and redistribute those students to the three exiting elementary school's, Sullivan's enrollment would increacurrent 214 to 320. Given the current number of classrooms, and our policy of capping K- 2 enrollments at 15, the average clasize for students in grades 3 to 8 would increase to 28. Second, Sullivan lacks science labs, facilities for family consumor locker rooms for physical education activities. The lockers of daily use outside the classrooms are inappropriately sizemiddle school aged students. There are no outside recreational areas for team sports and other physical activities, nor dedrooms for art and music.

Moreover, even if we were to keep the current grade configuration, the current facility does not allow us to teach laborat(no science labs), or to fully integrate technology into classroom instruction (due to insufficient electrical supply and lack ofor computer carts within the building). Small group instruction is currently delivered in inappropriate spaces including coclosets and subdivided classrooms. Finally, the library is too small to support its expansion into a full media center, and refixed in 20th century mode of accessing information and other educational materials, making it difficult to meet the states medialiteracy educational standards.




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Priority 7

Please describe the measures the School District has taken or is planning to take in the immediate future to mitigate the problem(s) described above.

The district has not yet taken steps to renovate the building to suit the educational needs of middle schoo

To date we have hired the New England School Development Council to complete a feasablity study to fully explore our facioptions and costs for our our conversion to a K- 8 model.




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Priority 7


The current facility does not allow us to teach laboratory science (no science labs), or to fully integrate technology into clasinstruction (due to insufficient electrical supply and lack of mobility for computer carts within the building). Small group inscurrently delivered in inappropriate spaces including converted closets and subdivided classrooms. Finally, the library is tosupport its expansion into a full media center, and remains fixed in 20th century mode of accessing information and othereducational materials, making it difficult to meet the states media literacy educational standards.




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Vote

Vote of Municipal Governing Body YES:8 NO: 0 Date:7/24/2007

Vote of School Committee YES:5 NO: 0 Date:7/20/2007

Vote of Regional School Committee YES:NO: Date:




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Form of Vote

The following form of vote should be used by both the City Council/Board of Aldermen, Board of

Selectmen/equivalent governing body AND the School Committee in voting to approve this Statement of

Interest.

If a regional school district, the regional school district should use the following form of vote.

Resolved: Having convened in an open meeting on ___________________, the

_________________________________________________________________ [City Council/Board of Aldermen,

Board of Selectmen/Equivalent Governing Body, School Committee] of ___________________________ [City/Town/School District] ,

in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to

submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest dated _____________

for the __________________________________ [Name of School ] located at

_____________________________________________________________________ [Address] which

describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which

_________________________________________ [Name of City/Town/District] may be invited to apply to the

Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________ [Insert a description of the priority(s) checked off on

the Statement of Interest and a brief description of the deficiency described therein for each priority]; and hereby further specifically

acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest, the Massachusetts School Building Authority

in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any

other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the

_________________________________ [Name of City/Town/District] to filing an application for funding with the

Massachusetts School Building Authority.




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CERTIFICATIONSThe undersigned hereby certifies that, to the best of his/her knowledge, information and belief, the statements and inforcontained in this statement of Interestand attached hereto are true and accurate and that this Statement of Interest hasbeenprepared under the direction of the district school committee and the undersigned is duly authorized to submit this StatInterest to the Massachusetts SchoolBuilding Authority. The undersigned also hereby acknowledges and agrees to prov the Massachusetts School Building Authority, upon request by the Authority, anyadditional information relating to this

Statement of Interest that may be requiredby the Authority.

LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER/DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT/SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR(E.g., Mayor, Town Manager, Board of Selectmen)

Chief Executive Officer School Committee Chair Superintendent of Schools

(print name) (print name) (print name)

(signature) (signature) (signature)

Date Date Date


Sullivan School SOI 2009

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