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I don’t have children who will attend any of the three schools that are potentially involved in the Oakdale project so why does this matter to me?
Dedham is home to the first public school in the country supported exclusively by tax dollars. For generations, Dedham citizens have invested in and supported their students.
Over the past two decades, that commitment has resulted in the reconstruction of Dedham Middle School, Avery Elementary School, and the Curran Early Childhood Education Center.
Replacement or Reconstruction of the Oakdale School – identified by the state as the Dedham school most in need of significant repair or replacement -- is the next step in the much-needed rehabilitation of school buildings constructed at the beginning of the last century.
The School Department Master Plan, completed in 2020, also identified replacement of the 100-year-old Riverdale Elementary School and 70-year-old Greenlodge Elementary School as a priority.
As a whole, the community can take pride in working to ensure a more equitable distribution of educational resources across the town. This process will also provide a new school that could allow for a more even distribution of students with higher needs who are unable to attend one of the older schools due to accessibility.
12/12/2022
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The current High School has not been at capacity for a long time. Has there been any discussion about putting all four elementary schools in the high school building and building a new High School?
While this is an interesting solution it is not a viable one. Many high school classrooms have been converted into offices for different town departments.
Also, the High School deficiencies are not serious enough to qualify for MSBA funding and any new High School would be substantially smaller than the existing school.
12/12/2022
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Is there a preference on one of the two consolidation options over the other? Riverdale and Oakdale because Riverdale is a smaller school or Greenlodge and Oakdale due to proximity?
There is not a preference at this time. Once the designer is brought on board, they will study all the potential sites, designs, layouts, enrollments, etc. and the SBRC and School Committee will decide based on what is best for the students and the Town. There will be many public forum discussions and the two committees, design team, and OPM will take all the feedback into account when making a final recommendation decision.
12/12/2022
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Who decides which plan is ultimately approved?
The SBRC will have the final vote on which site and design is recommended to Town Meeting for funding. The School Committee will have the final vote on the enrollment for the new school.
12/12/2022
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What is the current enrollment and capacity of our elementary schools?
While there are no policies in place that dictate class sizes in Dedham, we have typically tried to maintain Gr.K-5 classes as 23 or smaller. In some buildings (Oakdale and Riverdale in particular) some particular classrooms in older parts of the building are too small to include this many students.
By moving certain classes with larger enrollments to larger rooms, we can usually accommodate these bulges in a few grades. Using those metrics, our current theoretical maximum building capacities would be as follows:
Avery - 15 classrooms + 2 smaller sub-separate classrooms = 355 students
Greenlodge - 15 classrooms + 2 smaller sub-separate classrooms = 355 students
Oakdale - 15 classrooms = 345 students
Riverdale - 10 classrooms = 230 students
12/12/2022
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What are the thoughts on changing the school zones and redistricting? Is that a possibility?
Current school zones may be redistricted based upon location of and enrollment in the preferred option. If redistricting is required, the School Committee, with the help of a redistricting consultant, will look at all the options available to ensure equitable education to all students.
12/12/2022
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What does this mean for Riverdale? Will families who currently attend Riverdale have to travel farther to get to school?
That all will depend on the ultimate location and enrollment of the new school. It is possible students could be traveling further to go to the new school. Riverdale is also one of the several site locations that will be considered for the project.
12/12/2022
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Does Dedham Public Schools have a projection for student populations in the future? Is there a projection for each school population in 5 years? 10 years?
There is variability and fluctuation because families are more mobile when their children are under 5 years old.
The town does track birth rates, among other demographics, and uses that information to help predict future enrollments. HERE is the current NESDEC (New England School Development Council) enrollment projection report for the Dedham Public Schools for the next 10 years. NESDEC is a well known organization that has been providing these projections for MA school districts for many years, and their projections indicate a flat or slightly increasing district enrollment over the next 10 years.
12/12/2022
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Who has the final say on which design and enrollment scenario moves forward to Town Meeting?
The SBRC will make the final recommendation on design and site; the School Committee will make the final decision on the enrollment. Of course, both Committees will elicit and consider public feedback throughout the process.
12/12/2022
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How are all the choices narrowed down to a preferred design and location?
Once the designer is on board, they will evaluate all the proposed site locations based on a number of criteria including location, size, topography, traffic, walkability, etc. At the same time, the School Committee, with help from a redistricting consultant, will be evaluating the pros and cons of the various enrollment options.
Both committees will hold community meetings throughout the process to receive feedback. Eventually, the School Committee will vote on the preferred enrollment while the SBRC will vote on the preferred site and design plan.
12/12/2022
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What is the timeline for the project and when it goes to a Town Meeting vote are we voting on which of the three options we prefer, or will that have already been decided?
The SBRC in conjunction with the School Committee will decide on enrollment and project site by July 2023.
The design team will then work on providing a schematic design for the proposed school based on the selected site and enrollment and bring this design along with a total project budget to a Town Meeting vote in 2024.
Construction would potentially start in early Spring 2025.
12/12/2022
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Has the MSBA considered the current high enrollments in the ECEC when they proposed the enrollment numbers for the three options being considered?
The ECEC was built for a 200-student capacity and it’s currently accommodating 225 students, so this is definitely a concern.
Also, the MSBA enrollment options are developed using a formula that analyzes a multitude of factors including birth rates, historic enrollment data, and current populations to name a few.
Once the Designer has been brought on board for the project the team will review all options for enrollments and consolidation in more depth to ensure Dedham builds an appropriately sized school for today and the future.
The MSBA has provided the incentive for consolidation by agreeing to fund a consolidated school solution with capacity flexibility.
12/12/2022
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If the Town chooses to consolidate schools how many classrooms will there be per grade in the new school? And how many students per classroom?
As a rule of thumb the district allows up to 23 students maximum per classroom for elementary school classes. Currently, over the four elementary schools the class size varies from school to school and from grade to grade.
12/12/2022
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Can you share the sites that were considered as part of the ECEC school project?
Yes, there is a PowerPoint presentation that was provided by Dore & Whittier during the ECEC project feasibility study. This shows 14 various building options over various locations, this PowerPoint can be found on the Oakdale Project webpage under the References & Resources page.
12/12/2022
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If Greenlodge and Oakdale are combined what will become of the existing Greenlodge school? It is a beloved building in the neighborhood.
There has not been any decision on what to do with the existing buildings at this time. Jurisdiction over a vacant school lies with the School Committee. Historically, when the School Committee reverts a building to the Town, the Select Board has appointed committees for the specific purpose of determining the future of a former school property.
12/12/2022
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Where will the current Oakdale students attend school while the new school is being built?
For a new construction building, the plan is for the students to remain at the Oakdale School while a new school is being constructed and then have the students move to the new building once it is complete. If the Town decides to proceed with an Oakdale renovation, the SBRC and School Committee will work to determine the best options for students during the renovation. All of these options will be part of the site and consolidation evaluation process.
12/12/2022
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Would the location of a new school be dependent on the chosen consolidation option, or has it already been decided the new school will be built at the existing Oakdale location?
The location is somewhat dependent on possible consolidation. If consolidation is recommended, then the sites of the two existing schools will be considered. However, the SBRC will also consider and evaluate other public parcels of land based on location, size, topography, and various other attributes.
12/12/2022
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Does the Town need to choose a particular plan prior to a vote? Will Town Meeting vote on the proposal?
Yes, to both questions. As with the most recent school building projects, it is anticipated that the SBRC will submit an enrollment, design and budget proposal to Town Meeting for a vote.
12/12/2022
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With more and more families moving to Dedham and the number of students attending these schools increasing where are we going to be in 5 years? 10 years? Do these enrollments numbers allow for growth?
The MSBA enrollment options are developed using a formula that analyzes a multitude of factors including birth rates, historic enrollment data, and current populations to name a few.
Once the Designer has been brought on board for the project the team will review all options for enrollments and consolidation in more depth to ensure Dedham builds an appropriately sized school for today and the future.
The MSBA has provided the incentive for consolidation by agreeing to fund a consolidated school solution with greater capacity flexibility.
12/12/2022
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How can we stay involved and what do you need from the community going forward?
Please stay up to date by visiting this project website regularly. The team will post project updates, frequently asked questions, and information on all upcoming meetings.
The team will also be holding community fora throughout the next year to keep the community up to date and involved in the process.
Finally, SBRC meetings are public and often televised by DedhamTV, please look for meeting announcements.
12/12/2022
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Is there a potential to build multiple schools on the same site? Or if the Town opts to build a larger school is there a way to break up the larger school so it still feels like a smaller school to the children?
This is an interesting possibility and one that will be evaluated and vetted with the design team as part of the site evaluation process.
12/12/2022
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We are concerned that the children will lose the sense of community they have in a smaller school. How will this be addressed?
We understand this is a concern of many parents and students and this will be considered by the design team throughout the design process. Even with larger enrollments, the principals, teachers, and staff know all of the students and work hard to build a sense of community within the larger school.
12/12/2022
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Is there a potential to have a community partnership with this building? Can it be used for community events outside of school hours?
Yes, as with other Town schools, facilities are used in a variety of ways by the community for various purposes and events. Although the building is being built as an elementary school, it is owned by the Town and may be used for community events as determined by the School Department administration.
12/12/2022
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Is the decision really a Town decision and will Vertex provide a recommendation on which option is best?
Yes, at the end of the day this is a Town decision. The OPM, Designer, and SBRC will work together to review all potential sites, consolidation, and enrollment options.
Throughout this process they will also hold public meetings to present this information and gather feedback from the community with Vertex and the Designer providing recommendations and input. Ultimately, the Town will decide what option is best for Dedham.
12/12/2022
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There is concern within the community that this MSBA funding could potentially be lost if the Town does not agree on one of the presented enrollment options. Is this true?
Once the town agrees on an enrollment option, the Designer and Project Team will produce a budget, schematic design, and have a proposed location for the new school. All along the way, the SBRC is keeping the MSBA informed and ensuring that Dedham is complying with MSBA requirements.
Eventually, the project will be brought to a vote. Dedham would lose the funding from the MSBA if the project is not approved and funded by the Town.
12/12/2022
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What is the process for building a new school if we forgo the MSBA funding?
The feasibility and design process would be similar. Dedham would not be bound by MSBA requirements and timelines. The Town would, however, pay all costs without state contribution. Funding for any new school would be via Town Meeting Vote.
12/12/2022
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Vertex has been involved in school consolidation efforts in neighboring Towns. Can you speak to the outcome of those projects and if the Town is happy with outcome?
Vertex worked with Westwood and Wellesley on recent school consolidation projects. In Westwood Vertex worked closely with the School Building Committee (SBC), the School Committee, and the Designer to develop and evaluate a multitude of factors affected by school consolidation. The project team held many public meetings, met with PTO’s, schools, and the community at large to gather input in order to select the best option for the Town.
Overall, the Town of Westwood was very satisfied with the consolidation of the Deerfield and Hanlon schools.
Wellesley made the decision to consolidate three schools into two schools. The Town proceeded to build a new school to replace one of the existing schools outside of the MSBA and the consolidation of the remaining two schools was done with the MSBA.
Wellesley held many public meetings and stakeholder meetings to garner input and address issues. Wellesley voters accepted the final plan and the project passed at Town Meeting with 92% approval.
12/12/2022
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The MSBA, through their enrollment study, has stated they will fund a new stand-alone Oakdale School for 235 students. The current Oakdale enrollment is around 250 students, so if the Town of Dedham wants a new stand alone Oakdale school for a higher enrollment than stated by the MSBA can the Town cover the difference in cost?
The MSBA enrollment options are developed using a formula that analyzes a multitude of factors including birth rates, historic enrollment data, and current populations to name a few.
Once the Designer has been brought on board for the project the team will review all options for enrollments and consolidation in more depth in order to provide a clear answer to this question.
December 12, 2022
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What is the MSBA reimbursement Rate?
Reimbursement rates for MSBA approved, eligible school construction and renovation projects are calculated pursuant to a formula that is established in Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 70B section 10 (M.G.L. c. 70B § 10). The stated reimbursement rate for the project is 47.21%. There are incentives to ear additional reimbursements points, those include sustainability, a maintenance program, etc. More information can be found on the MSBA website linked here: https://www.massschoolbuildings.org/building/funding/reimbursements
Also, it is important to note that the reimbursement rate is only inclusive of reimbursable costs. There are various costs associated with construction that are not included in the reimbursement calculation. For example, construction of the new Early Education Center cost the just under $30 million. The reimbursement rate from the MSBA was approximately $10.5 million (approximately 33%) because there was substantial demolition and construction costs (such as ledge blasting and removal) that were not reimbursable costs.
10/13/2022
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Have any previous studies considered taking the money allocated for a new school and instead using that money to renovate the three existing schools instead?
The SBRC will consider a full range of options, including renovations. School renovations were a consideration as part of the development of the Master Plan process. However, the master plan process was not an in-depth examination of costs associated with renovating each school. Rather, it was a look at what can and cannot be changed within each school without major construction (classroom sizes, code updates, improved heating, cooling, and ventilation, etc.). As part of the MSBA process, the design team will look at a straight renovation of the Oakdale School. This will provide an understanding of the costs associated with renovating Oakdale and insight into costs associated with renovating the other elementary schools.
10/13/2022
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In reviewing possible sites for a new school, will the SBRC and School Committee consider the ability of students to walk to school?
During the Feasibility Study stage of the project the design team will review numerous possible locations within the Town to place the new school. Student walkability will be among the many factors considered when selecting a final location.
10/13/2022
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Is the plan to combine two schools or three schools?
The MSBA has given Dedham three options if the community decides to continue in the MSBA funding process: a stand-alone Oakdale school for 235 students, a combined Oakdale-Riverdale for 450 students, or a combined Oakdale-Greenlodge School for 550 students.
10/13/2022
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Which building sites are being considered for construction of a new school?
The SBRC, in conjunction with the design team, will identify all possible locations for a new school. Once all sites are identified the team will evaluate each possible site based on size, location, topography, etc.
10/13/2022
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Is it possible the Town might close one of the existing elementary schools?
Yes, if the community decides to proceed with one of the two consolidation options provided by the MSBA then one of the existing elementary schools will no longer be used as a school. The SBRC’s role is “to make recommendations to the Town relative to proposed rehabilitation, expansion and/or new construction projects.” The retirement of use of any school facility is only done by the School Committee.
10/13/2022
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Will the parent involvement within the schools be considered as part of this process?
Yes, the ability of parents and caretakers to travel to and participate in the educational events of their children is a consideration.
10/13/2022
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If the Town decides to consolidate schools, is there a possibility they can be separated again in the future?
If the Town decides to proceed with one of the two consolidation options, the schools will likely stay this way for the foreseeable future. The district’s educational model is determined by the School Committee.
10/13/2022
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Can Dedham apply to the MSBA for funding to address the deficiencies of another school? And if so what is the timeline associated with that application?
The current Oakdale School Project is still about 5 years out from completion if it proceeds on its current track. The MSBA will not allow Dedham to resubmit a school for consideration until this project is complete. So, if Dedham would like to apply to the MSBA on behalf of another school it will be roughly 8 years to get back to this point for another school if the MSBA accepted Dedham back into the program. It should be noted that if an Oakdale project is accepted by the MSBA, it would be the fourth MSBA-funded new school construction project in Dedham.
10/13/2022
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Will the new school incorporate any sustainability goals set forth by the Town? And if so what will those look like?
The new school will incorporate sustainable practices into the design and operations. During the schematic design phase the community will provide input to the designer on what their sustainability goals are for the project. These goals will become the outline for the project throughout the design process.
10/13/2022
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Can the MSBA overrule the decision of the SBRC and School Committee once an enrollment and siting decision has been made?
The MSBA will not overrule the Town’s decision on which option best works for the district. The MSBA will be involved throughout the entire feasibility and consolidation process. The district will also provide the MSBA with their reasoning why the final option was chosen as well as why the other options will not work for the district. The intent of the MSBA is to provide the district with the best possible solution possible and it is up to the Town to make that final decision.
10/13/2022
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How will the Town address the possibility of increased enrollment down the road?
There is always a possibility of higher enrollments than what is currently anticipated and the Town should build in excess capacity if at all possible. The current enrollment numbers being considered are a direct result of the MSBA calculation of school enrollments. Their calculation takes into account multiple factors including birth rates, current enrollment, and projected populations to name a few. The MSBA is encouraging Dedham to choose a consolidation option which will benefit as many students as possible by agreeing to a combined structure with excess capacity. The MSBA will not agree to build excess capacity into a stand-alone Oakdale School. The consolidated enrollment options include higher MSBA-calculated enrollments than the two schools have currently. Pursuing one of these options would allow for future flexibility.
10/13/2022
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What are the specific roles of the SBRC, School Committee, and OPM?
The SBRC’s responsibility is to “direct engineering and architectural studies to determine the current physical condition of the Town School Department buildings and to make recommendations to the Town relative to proposed rehabilitation, expansion and/or new construction projects.” The School Committee has the authority to make decisions on enrollment, education plans, and the district’s education model. As the OPM, Vertex will assist the committees and Town with all aspects of the project including providing deliverables to the MSBA.
10/13/2022
