What will the project cost?

The total project cost will be developed over the initial feasibility study and schematic design phases. In this process, the community leadership and residents will be invited to participate in periodic project updates and information gathering sessions. As feedback is gathered and progress is made to identify the most beneficial and cost-effective building solution, the team will have a basis to estimate the cost of the project.

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Once the total project cost is finalized, we will be seeking MSBA approval and lock in their grant funding for the project so the local cost impact can be estimated. 

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What is the MSBA and how much grant money have they approved for the project?

The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is a quasi-independent government authority created to reform the process of funding capital improvement projects in the Commonwealth’s public schools. The MSBA receives hundreds of applications for funding assistance from cities, towns and regional school districts across the commonwealth yearly and due to funding deficiencies, is only able to select a handful of school projects, based upon relative need. The MSBA strives to work with local communities to create affordable, sustainable, and energy efficient schools across Massachusetts. Learn more on the MSBA’s website here https://www.massschoolbuildings.org/

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The maximum amount that the MSBA will contribute for this project will be determined at the conclusion of the Schematic Design phase. It should be noted that not all project costs are eligible for reimbursement by the MSBA. There are opportunities for additional incentive points that could increase the base reimbursement rate. The incentive points will be developed and evaluated when the final building solution is selected.

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How can the local community keep informed and/or be involved as this project progresses?

• Project website

• Attend community presentation meetings and provide feedback

• Attend School Building Committee meetings

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Will construction of the renovated, addition/renovation or new school building impact students' classroom experience?

Disruption to the existing school’s operations is one of the key criteria to be considered in selecting the project’s construction option during the Feasibility Study phase. The selected option will be evaluated based on potential impact to the existing school operations. The design team will look for the least impactful option to the student community and building occupants when selecting the most appropriate building solution. 

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Can the Town increase the project scope and budget after obtaining  approval to move forward with the building project?

At the end of the Schematic Design phase, the selected building project is brought to the community for financial support. At this point, the project scope and budget has been thoroughly vetted by the Town, the project team and the MSBA. As part of the MSBA process, the Town must formally agree to the total project cost, schedule, project scope and size, student enrollment, and other factors that could influence the overall project cost, prior to seeking community support. The MSBA Grant Funding Process is designed to lock in the project cost and scope in order to prevent cost increases in the refinement of the project as it moves toward construction. When the project is under construction, the budget will contain standard and appropriate contingency funds to help avoid budget overrun. 

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What funding has already been approved by the town for the Feasibility Study Phase?

At Burlington's hybrid town meeting on February 16th, 2022, voters passed Article 11 approving $1.5 million in funding for the Fox Hill project's feasibility study. The feasibility study includes hiring a consultant team (Owner's Project Manager and a Designer), to assist the town in developing the most fiscally responsible and educationally appropriate solution to create a safe, sound, and sustainable learning environment. The Massachusetts School Building Authority has accepted the project into it's core program, and thus has agreed to reimburse the town roughly 45.5% of eligible project costs.

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What will happen to Pine Glen?

The MSBA is requiring Burlington to explore the feasibility of having either 3 elementary schools or 4 elementary schools. The feasibility study will explore the costs and benefits associated with each.