MSBA approves architect, model for new high school

Date: 11/30/2010

Dec. 1, 2010

By Katelyn Gendron

Assistant Editor

WEST SPRINGFIELD -- The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) approved the Planning and Construction Committee's recommendation to use Symmes Maini & McKee Associates (SSMA) as the architect for the new high school.

The town is currently in the MSBA's Model School Program, which allows municipalities to save on design and construction costs by adopting one of the model schools to fit its needs.

"This is a fast moving project and we're really excited about it," School Superintendent Dr. Russell Johnston said. "With SSMA we have a top-notch design team. We feel that not only do we have a great building [with the Hudson High School as our model school] but we have a great design team that will make the facility unique to West Springfield."

He noted the building will feature a "pod design for large group instruction areas," five-sided classrooms and an atrium entryway.

"Our next step will be to actually have some official chats with architects and get department heads at the high school involved so that they can understand our educational program and can tweak the design to meet our needs," Mayor Edward Gibson explained.

Emily Mahlman, director of communications for the MSBA, noted the town must also negotiate and finalize a contract with the architect before work can be started.

Johnston said all teachers and school staff will be involved in this process as well as various town departments.

"We think that by putting all our heads together we'll get the best possible building," he added.

The new school has a projected price tag of $75 million, a portion of which will be reimbursed to West Springfield by the state.