TR-2013-21 SOI AHS ECC � ___---.
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RESOLUTION Cy TR-2013-21r
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF A STATEMENT OF INTEREST
FOR A NEW EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AND HIGH SCHOOL
(Sponsored by: Mayor Richard A. Cohen on behalf of the Agawam School Committee)
WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Center was built in 1994 and renovated in 2000 to
encompass 8,000 square feet; and
WHEREAS, 8,000 square feet is not sufficient to meet the needs of the Early Childhood
Program; and
WHEREAS,the Agawam High School was originally built in 1955 with additions built
in 1961, 1980, 1997 and 2001; and
WHEREAS, the athletic facilities, track and bleachers at the Agawam High School are
in need of repair and renovation; and
WHEREAS, the locker rooms and bathrooms at the Agawam High School are in need of
repair and renovation; and
WHEREAS, The Statement of Interest is the first step in the Massachusetts School
Building Authority's process for the new grant program for school construction and renovation
projects; and
WHEREAS, the Statement of Interest can be completed at no cost to the City or School
Department; and
WHEREAS, all communities are welcome to submit a Statement of Interest to the
MSBA, identifying the perceived deficiencies in their school facilities; and
WHEREAS, all Statements of Interest must be transmitted to the MSBA using thehlinea
Statement of Interest System; and s z
10
WHEREAS, the deadline for submission of the Statement of Interest is April 10�01
and
WHEREAS, a certified vote of the City Council and full text of the vote of the isicho�to
Committee with a copy of the minutes of the meeting at which the School Committee voted tcl
authorize the submission of the Statement of Interest, signed by the Chairman of the ScRool
committee must accompany the Electronic Submission of the Statement of Interest.
NOW THEREFORE, The Agawam School Committee having convened an open
meeting on March 12, 2013 has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the
Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated April _, 2013
for the Agawam High School which is located at 760 Cooper Street, Agawam, MA which
f
describes and explains the following deficiencies and priority categories for which an application
may be submitted to MSBA in the future: Priority#3 Prevention of loss of accreditation and
Priority#? Replacement of, or addition to, obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range
of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements.
The Deficiencies for Priority#3 are as follows:
Classroom space is limited and lacking to support program needs. there is insufficient classroom
space to allow teachers dedicated space and requires them to travel from classroom to classroom
to instruct different courses. The classrooms from the original building are small, approximately
768 square feet, filled with 20 plus students, and offer a teacher little negotiation space to use
board space. the layout of the building bottlenecks at the intersection of the new and old
building, resulting in dangerous situations during the change of class times.
The Deficiencies for Priority#7 are as follows:
Agawam High School's Program of Studies is expanding its course offerings in Science,
Technology, engineering and Mathematics. To do so, classrooms need to be state-of-the-art to
support the curriculum. Current classroom sizes cannot support enrollment expected in these
courses or the technology required to support the curriculum. The area currently available for
conversion is antiquated and along with safety issues, would be difficult and costly to upgrade
the electrical needs due to the walls, which are made of concrete. Our goal would be to move our
Early Childhood Center, which is a Special Education Model with a high population of autistic
students, to the Agawam High School to utilize our student population for collaboration with
Westfield State University and our Program of Studies in Early Childhood Education. The
district would realize savings by closing the Early Childhood Center, which is inadequate in size
and condition, and combine both facilities for programmatic and cost efficient reasons; and
hereby, further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, The
Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of
an application, the awarding of a grant, or any funding commitment for the Massachusetts
School Building Authority, or commits the City to filing an application for Funding with the
Massachusetts School Building Authority.
Dated this P( day of A1361L 2013
PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
Christopher Jo Tj on, President
7APROVED S TO FORM AND LEGALITY
Vincent Gioscia, Solicitor
SCR-13-07
RESOLUTION
APPROVAL TO AUTHORIZE PREPARATION OF STATEMENT OF INTEREST FOR A
NEW EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AND HIGH SCHOOL
WHEREAS, the Agawam Early Childhood Center was built in 1994 and renovated in 2000 to encompass 8,000
square feet, and
WHEREAS, 8,000 square feet is not sufficient to meet the creeds of the Early Childhood Program, and
WHEREAS, the Agawam High School was originally built in 1955 with additions built in 1961, 1980, 1997,
and 2001, and
WHEREAS, the athletic facilities, track, and bleachers at Agawam High School are in need of repair and
renovation, and
WHEREAS, the locker rooms and bathrooms at the Agawam High School are in need of repair and renovation,
and
WHEREAS, the Statement of Interest is the first step in the Massachusetts School Building Authority's process
for the new grant program for school construction and renovation projects,and
WHEREAS, a Statement of Interest can be completed at no cost to the City or School Department,and
WHEREAS, all communities are welcome to submit a Statement of Interest to the MSBA, identifying the
perceived deficiencies in their school facilities, and
WHEREAS, all Statements of Interest must be transmitted to the MSBA using the online Statement of Interest
System, and
WHEREAS, a certified vote of the City Council and full text of the vote of the School Committee with a copy
of the minutes of the meeting at which the School Committee voted to authorize the submission of the
Statement of Interest , signed by the chairman of the School Committee must accompany the electronic
submission of the Statement of Interest.
NOW, therefore, the Agawam School Committee having convened in an open meeting on March 12,2013,has
voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement
of Interest Form dated April I4, 2013 for the Agawam High School located at 760 Cooper Street,Agawam,
MA, which describes and explains the following deficiencies and priority categories for which an application
may be submitted to the MSBA in the future: Priority#3, Prevention of loss of accreditation and Priority#7,
Replacement of, or addition to, obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent
with state and approved local requirements.
The deficiencies for Priority #3 are as follows:
Classroom space is limited and is lacking to support program needs. There is insufficient classroom space to
allow teachers dedicated space and requires them to travel from classroom to classroom to instruct different
courses. The classrooms from the original building are small,approximately 768 square feet, filled with 20 plus
students, and offer a teacher little negotiation space to utilize board space. The layout of the building
bottlenecks at the intersection of the new and old building, resulting in dangerous situations during the change
of class times.
The deficiencies for Priority#7 are as follows:
Agawam High School's Program of Studies is expanding its course offerings in Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics. To do so, classrooms need to be state-of-the-art to support the curriculum.
Current classroom sizes cannot support enrollment expected in these courses or the technology required to
support the curriculum. The area currently available for conversion is antiquated and along with safety issues,
would be difficult and costly to upgrade the electrical needs due to the walls, which are made of concrete. Our
goal would be to move our Early Childhood Center, which is a Special Education model with a high population
of autistic students, to the Agawam High School to utilize our student population for collaboration with
Westfield State University and our Program of Studies in Early Childhood Education. The district would
realize savings by closing the Early Childhood Center, which is inadequate in size and condition, and combine
both facilities for programmatic and cost efficient reasons; and hereby, further specifically acknowledges that by
submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building authority in no way guarantees
the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant, or any funding commitment for the
Massachusetts School Building Authority , or commits the City to fling an application for funding with the
Massachusetts School Building Authority,
William P. Sapelli, C.A.G.S., Superintendent bate
SCHOOL COMMITTEE ACTION
yeas nays abstentions absent
Dated this _/02 day of _ T � , 2013.
l�
Richard A. Cohen, Mayor/Chairperson Agawam School Committee
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MAYORAL ACTION
Received this day of 04 , 2013 from Council Clerk.
Signed by Council President this ! day of ' 2013.
APPROVAL OF LEGISLATION
By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the Agawjimkharter, as
endedr hereby approve the passage of the above legislation on this day of
52013.
z
Richard A. Cohen, Mayor
DISAPPROVAL OF LEGISLATION
By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the Agawam Charter, as
amended, I hereby veto the passage of the above legislation on this day of
2013 for the following reason(s):
Richard A. Cohen, Mayor
RETURN OF LEGISLATION TO COUNCIL CLERK
Returned to Council Clerk this '3 _ day of , 2013.
pry �CL 77LCLI�
C�
RESOLUTION TR-2013-2I Ce--
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF A STATEMENT OF INTEREST
FOR A NEW EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AND HIGH SCHOOL
(Sponsored by: Mayor Richard A. Cohen on behalf of the Agawam School Committee)
WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Center was built in 1994 and renovated in 2000 to
encompass 8,000 square feet; and
WHEREAS, 8,000 square feet is not sufficient to meet the needs of the Early Childhood
Program; and
WHEREAS, the Agawam High School was originally built in 1955 with additions built
in 1961, 1980, 1997 and 2001; and
WHEREAS, the athletic facilities, track and bleachers at the Agawam High School are
in need of repair and renovation; and
WHEREAS, the locker rooms and bathrooms at the Agawam High School are in need of
repair and renovation; and
WHEREAS, The Statement of Interest is the first step in the Massachusetts School
Building Authority's process for the new grant program for school construction and renovation
projects; and
WHEREAS, the Statement of Interest can be completed at no cost to the City or School
Department; and
WHEREAS, all communities are welcome to submit a Statement of Interest to the
MSBA, identifying the perceived deficiencies in their school facilities; and
WHEREAS, all Statements of Interest must be transmitted to the MSBA using the online
Statement of Interest System; and
WHEREAS, the deadline for submission of the Statement of Interest is April 10, 2013;
and
WHEREAS, a certified vote of the City Council and full text of the vote of the School
Committee with a copy of the minutes of the meeting at which the School Committee voted to
authorize the submission of the Statement of Interest, signed by the Chairman of the School
committee must accompany the Electronic Submission of the Statement of Interest.
NOW THEREFORE, The Agawam School Committee having convened an open
meeting on March 12, 2013 has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the
Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Norm dated April _, 2013
for the Agawam High School which is located at 760 Cooper Street, Agawam, MA which
describes and explains the following deficiencies and priority categories for which an application
may be submitted to MSBA in the future: Priority#3 Prevention of loss of accreditation and
Priority#? Replacement of, or addition to, obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range
of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements.
The Deficiencies for Priority#3 are as follows:
Classroom space is limited and lacking to support program needs. there is insufficient classroom
space to allow teachers dedicated space and requires them to travel from classroom to classroom
to instruct different courses. The classrooms from the original building are small, approximately
768 square feet, filled with 20 plus students, and offer a teacher little negotiation space to use
board space. the layout of the building bottlenecks at the intersection of the new and old
building, resulting in dangerous situations during the change of class times.
The Deficiencies for Priority#7 are as follows:
Agawam High School's Program of Studies is expanding its course offerings in Science,
Technology, engineering and Mathematics. To do so, classrooms need to be state-of-the-art to
support the curriculum. Current classroom sizes cannot support enrollment expected in these
courses or the technology required to support the curriculum. The area currently available for
conversion is antiquated and along with safety issues, would be difficult and costly to upgrade
the electrical needs due to the walls, which are made of concrete. Our goal would be to move our
Early Childhood Center, which is a Special Education Model with a high population of autistic
students, to the Agawam High School to utilize our student population for collaboration with
Westfield State University and our Program of Studies in Early Childhood Education. The
district would realize savings by closing the Early Childhood Center, which is inadequate in size
and condition, and combine both facilities for programmatic and cost efficient reasons; and
hereby, further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, The
Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of
an application, the awarding of a grant, or any funding commitment for the Massachusetts
School Building Authority, or commits the City to filing an application for Funding with the
Massachusetts School Building Authority.
Dated this 1�f day of__A P81L , 2013
PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
Christopher Jo ton, President
7APROVELSTO
RM AND LEGALITY
Vincent Gioscia, Solicitor
SCR-13-07
RESOLUTION
APPROVAL TO AUTHORIZE PREPARATION OF STATEMENT OF INTEREST FOR A
NEW EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AND HIGH SCHOOL
WHEREAS, the Agawam Early Childhood Center was built in 1994 and renovated in 2000 to encompass 8,000
square feet, and
WHEREAS, 8,000 square feet is not sufficient to meet the needs of the Early Childhood Program, and
WHEREAS, the Agawam High School was originally built in 1955 with additions built in 1961, 1980, 1997,
and 2001, and
WHEREAS, the athletic facilities, track,and bleachers at Agawam High School are in need of repair and
renovation, and
WHEREAS, the locker rooms and bathrooms at the Agawam High School are in need of repair and renovation,
and
WHEREAS, the Statement of Interest is the first step in the Massachusetts School Building Authority's process
for the new grant program for school construction and renovation projects, and
WHEREAS, a Statement of Interest can be completed at no cost to the City or School Department,and
WHEREAS, all communities are welcome to submit a Statement of Interest to the MSBA, identifying the
perceived deficiencies in their school facilities, and
WHEREAS, all Statements of Interest must be transmitted to the MSBA using the online Statement of Interest
System, and
WHEREAS, a certified vote of the City Council and full text of the vote of the School Committee with a copy
of the minutes of the meeting at which the School Committee voted to authorize the submission of the
Statement of Interest , signed by the chairman of the School Committee must accompany the electronic
submission of the Statement of Interest.
NOW, therefore, the Agawam School Committee having convened in an open meeting on March 12,2013, has
voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement
of Interest Form dated April 14, 2013 for the Agawam High School located at 760 Cooper Street, Agawam,
MA, which describes and explains the following deficiencies and priority categories for which an application
may be submitted to the MSBA in the future: Priority#3, Prevention of loss of accreditation and Priority #7,
Replacement of, or addition to, obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent
with state and approved local requirements.
The deficiencies for Priority 43 are as follows:
Classroom space is limited and is lacking to support program needs. There is insufficient classroom space to
allow teachers dedicated space and requires them to travel from classroom to classroom to instruct different
courses. The classrooms from the original building are small, approximately 768 square feet, filled with 20 plus
students, and offer a teacher little negotiation space to utilize board space. The layout of the building
bottlenecks at the intersection of the new and old building,resulting in dangerous situations during the change
of class times.
f The deficiencies for Priority#7 are as follows;
Agawam High School's Program of Studies is expanding its course offerings in Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics. To do so, classrooms need to be state-of-the-art to support the curriculum.
Current classroom sizes cannot support enrollment expected in these courses or the technology required to
support the curriculum. The area currently available for conversion is antiquated and along with safety issues,
would be difficult and costly to upgrade the electrical needs due to the walls, which are made of concrete. Our
goal would be to move our Early Childhood Center, which is a Special Education model with a high population
of autistic students, to the Agawam High School to utilize our student population for collaboration with
Westfield State University and our Program of Studies in Early Childhood Education. The district would
realize savings by closing the Early Childhood Center, which is inadequate in size and condition, and combine
both facilities for programmatic and cost efficient reasons; and hereby, further specifically acknowledges that by
submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building authority in no way guarantees
the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant, or any funding commitment for the
Massachusetts School Building Authority , or commits the City to filing an application for funding with the
Massachusetts School Building Authority.
William P. Sapelli, C.A.G.S., S erintendent bate
SCHOOL COMMITTEE ACTION
yeas nays abstentions absent
72_`
Dated this day of 2013.
Richard A. Cohen, Mayor/Chairperson Agawam School Committee
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no
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J rr'
MAYORAL ACTION
Received this "' day of 0 , 2013 from Council Clerk.
J
Signed by Council President this ! day of ' 2013.
APPROVAL OF LEGISLATION
By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the Aga m charter, as
a ended hereby approve the passage of the above legislation on this day of
2013.
Richard A. Cohen, Mayor
DISAPPROVAL OF LEGISLATION
By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the Agawam Charter, as
amended, I hereby veto the passage of the above legislation on this day of
2013 for the following reason(s):
Richard A. Cohen, Mayor
RETURN OF LEGI7SLATION TO COUNCIL CLERK
Returned to Council Clerk this J day of , 2013.
i• -
fi '
RESOLUTION TR-2013-21
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF A STATEMENT OF INTEREST
FOR A NEW EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AND HIGH SCHOOL
(Sponsored by: Mayor Richard A. Cohen on behalf of the Agawam School Committee)
WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Center was built in 1994 and renovated in 2000 to
encompass 8,000 square feet; and
WHEREAS, 8,000 square feet is not sufficient to meet the needs of the Early Childhood
Program; and
WHEREAS, the Agawam High School was originally built in 1955 with additions built
in 1961, 1980, 1997 and 2001; and
WHEREAS, the athletic facilities, track and bleachers at the Agawam High School are
in need of repair and renovation; and
WHEREAS, the locker rooms and bathrooms at the Agawam High School are in need of
repair and renovation; and
WHEREAS, The Statement of Interest is the first step in the Massachusetts School
Building Authority's process for the new grant program for school construction and renovation
projects; and
WHEREAS, the Statement of Interest can be completed at no cost to the City or School
Department; and
WHEREAS, all communities are welcome to submit a Statement of Interest to the
MSBA, identifying the perceived deficiencies in their school facilities; and
WHEREAS, all Statements of Interest must be transmitted to the MSBA using the online
Statement of Interest System; and
WHEREAS, the deadline for submission of the Statement of Interest is April 10, 2013;
and
WHEREAS, a certified vote of the City Council and full text of the vote of the School
Committee with a copy of the minutes of the meeting at which the School Committee voted to
authorize the submission of the Statement of Interest, signed by the Chairman of the School
committee must accompany the Electronic Submission of the Statement of interest.
NOW THEREFORE, The Agawam School Committee having convened an open
meeting on March 12, 2013 has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the
Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated April _, 2013
for the Agawam High School which is located at 760 Cooper Street, Agawam, MA which
describes and explains the following deficiencies and priority categories for which an application
may be submitted to MSBA in the future: Priority##3 Prevention of loss of accreditation and
Priority#7 Replacement of, or addition to, obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range
of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements.
The Deficiencies for Priority#3 are as follows:
Classroom space is limited and lacking to support program needs. there is insufficient classroom
space to allow teachers dedicated space and requires them to travel from classroom to classroom
.to instruct different courses. The classrooms from the original building are small, approximately
768 square feet, filled with 20 plus students,and offer a teacher little negotiation space to use
board space. the layout of the building bottlenecks at the intersection of the new and old
building, resulting in dangerous situations during the change of class times.
The Deficiencies for Priority#7 are as follows:
Agawam High School's Program of Studies is expanding its course offerings in Science,
Technology, engineering and Mathematics. To do so, classrooms need to be state-of-the-art to
support the curriculum. Current classroom sizes cannot support enrollment expected in these
courses or the technology required to support the curriculum. The area currently available for
conversion is antiquated and along with safety issues, would be difficult and costly to upgrade
the electrical needs due to the walls, which are made of concrete. Our goal would be to move our
Early Childhood Center, which is a Special Education Model with a high population of autistic
students, to the Agawam High School to utilize our student population for collaboration with
Westfield State University and our Program of Studies in Early Childhood Education. The
district would realize savings by closing the Early Childhood Center, which is inadequate in size
and condition, and combine both facilities for programmatic and cost efficient reasons; and
hereby, further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, The
Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of
an application, the awarding of a grant, or any funding commitment for the Massachusetts
School Building Authority, or commits the City to filing an application for Funding with the
Massachusetts School Building Authority.
Dated this_day of 2013
PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
Christopher Johnson, President
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
Vincent Gioscia, Solicitor
Name of School -----SAMPLE SCHOOL[DRAFT]-----
Massachusetts School Building Authority COPY fOR yDIW
• rrWN
Next Steps to Finalize Submission of your FY 2013 Statement of Interest
Thank you for submitting your FY 2013 Statement of Interest(SOI) to the MSBA electronically. Please note,the
District's submission is not yet complete, The District is required to print and mail a hard copy of the SOI to the MSBA
along with the required supporting documentation,which is described below.
Each SOI has two Certification pages that must be signed by the Superintendent,the School Committee Chair,and the
Chief Executive Officer*.Please make sure that both certifications contained in the SOI have been signed and dated by
each of the specified parties and that the hardcopy SOI is submitted to the MSBA with original signatures.
SIGNATURES: Each SOI has two(2)Certification pages that must be signed by the District.
In some Districts,two of the required signatures may be that of the same person. If this is the case, please have that person
sign in both locations. Please do not leave any of the signature lines blank or submit photocopied signatures,as your SOI
will be incomplete.
*Local chief executive officer:In a city or town with a managerform of government, the manager of the _
municipality; in other cities, the mayor; and in other towns, the board ofselectmen unless, in a city or towctome o
other municipal office is designated as the chief executive office under the provisions of a local charter.
-
r.- LpF
VOTES: Each SOI must be submitted with the proper vote documentation.This means that(1)the require° >r, G
governing bodies have voted to submit each SOI, (2)the specific vote language required by the MSBA has been toed,4:F—n
(3)the District has submitted a record of the vote in the format required by the MSBA. ;
no
. School Committee Vote: Submittal of all SOIs must be approved by a vote of the School Committee. r9 —n
o For documentation of the vote of the School Committee, Minutes of the School Committce meeting&'Which,m
the vote was taken must be submitted with the original signature of the Committee Chairperson. The Winutes
must contain the actual text of the vote taken which should be substantially the same as the MSBA's SOI vote
language.
• Municipal Body Vote: SOIs that are submitted by cities and towns must be approved by a vote of the appropriate
municipal body(e.g.,City Council/Aldermen/Board of Selectmen)in addition to a vote of the School Committee.
o Regional School Districts do not need to submit a vote of the municipal body.
o For the vote of the municipal governing body, a copy of the text of the vote, which shall be substantially the
same as the MSBA's SOI vote language,must be submitted with a certification of the City/Town Cleric that
the vote was taken and duly recorded,and the date of the vote must be provided.
CLOSED SCHOOLS: Districts that have reported closed school information must download the report from the
"Closed School"tab,which can be found on the District Main page.Please print this report, which then must be signed by
the Superintendent,the School Committee Chair,and the Chief Executive Officer.A signed report,with original signatures
must be included with the District's hard copy SOI submittal. If a District submits multiple SOIs,only one copy of the
Closed School information is required.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION FOR SOI PRIORITIES 41 AND#3: If a District selects Priority#1 and/or
Priority#3,the District is required to submit additional documentation with its S01.
If a District selects Priority#1,Replacement or renovation of a building which is structurally unsound or otherwise in
Massachusetts School Building Authority l Statement of Interest
Name of School ----SAMPLE SCHOOL[DRAFT]----
a condition seriously jeopardizing the health and safety of the school children,where no alternative exists,the MSBA
requires a hard copy of the engineering or other report detailing the nature and severity of the problem and a written
professional opinion of how imminent the system failure is likely to manifest itself. The District also must submit
photographs of the problematic building area or system to the MSBA.
. If a District selects Priority##3,Prevention of a loss of accreditation,the MSBA requires the full accreditation report
(s)and any supporting correspondence between the District and the accrediting entity.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: In addition to the information required with the SOI hard copy submittal,the District
may also provide any reports,pictures,or other information they feel will give the MSBA a better understanding of the
issues identified at a facility.
If you have any questions about the SOI process please contact Brian McLaughin at 617-720-4466 or
Brian.McLaughlin@,rnassschoolbuildings.or�.
Massachusetts School Building Authority 2 Statement of Interest
Name of School ---SAMPLE SCHOOL[DRAFT]-----
Massachusetts School Building Authority
School District Agawam
District Contact Robert C6ckstein TEL: (413)821-0550
Name of School Agawam High
Submission Date 3/27/2013
SOI CERTIFICATION
To be eligible to submit a Statement of Interest(SOI),a district must certify the following:
F The district hereby acknowledges and agrees that this SO] is NOT an application for funding and that submission of this S01 in
no way commits the MSBA to accept an application,approve an application,provide a grant or any other type of funding, or
places any other obligation on the MSBA.
r The district hereby acknowledges that no district shall have any entitlement to funds from the MSBA,pursuant to M.G.L. c. 70B
or the provisions of 963 CMR 2.00.
P— The district hereby acknowledges that the provisions of 963 CMR 2.00 shall apply to the district and all projects for which the
district is seeking and/or receiving funds for any portion of a municipally-owned or regionally-owned school facility from the
MSBA pursuant to M.G.L.c. 70B.
[T The district hereby acknowledges that this SOI is for one existing municipally-owned or regionally-owned public school facility
in the district that is currently used or will be used to educate public PreK-12 students and that the facility for which the SOI is
being submitted does not serve a solely early childhood or Pre-K student population.
F. After the district completes and submits this SOI electronically,the district must sign the required certifications and submit one
signed original hard copy of the SOI to the MSBA,with all of the required documentation described under the "Vote" tab, on or
before the deadline.
r The district will schedule and bold a meeting at which the School Committee will vote,using the specific language contained in
the"Vote" tab,to authorize the submission of this SO]. This is required for cities,towns,and regional school districts.
I✓_ Prior to the submission of the hard copy of the SOI,the district will schedule and hold a meeting at which the City
Council/Board of Aldermen or Board of Selectmen/equivalent governing body will vote,using the specific language contained in
the"Vote"tab,to authorize the submission of this SOL This is not required for regional school districts.
P On or before the SOI deadline,the district will submit the minutes of the meeting at which the School Committee votes to
authorize the Superintendent to submit this SOI. The District will use the MSBA's vote template and the vote will specifically
reference the school and the priorities for which the SOI is being submitted.The minutes will be signed by the School Committee
Chair.This is required for cities, towns,and regional school districts.
Fo The district has arranged with the City/Town Clerk to certify the vote of the City Council/Board of Aldermen or Board of
Selectmen/equivalent governing body to authorize the Superintendent to submit this SOL The district will use the MSBA's vote
template and submit the full text of this vote,which will specifically reference the school,and the priorities for which the SOI is
being submitted,to the MSBA on or before the SOI deadline. This is not required for regional school districts.
r The district hereby acknowledges that this SOI submission will not be complete until the MSBA has received all of the required
vote documentation and certification signatures in a format acceptable to the MSBA.
Massachusetts School Building Authority 3 Statement of Interest
Name of School -----SAMPLE SCHOOL[DRAFT']---
Chief Executive Officer * School Committee Chair Superintendent of Schools
(print name) (print name) (print name)
(signature) (signature) (signature)
Date Date Date
*Local chief executive officer:In a city or town with a manager form of government,the manager of the municipality, in
other cities, the mayor,and in other towns,the board of selectmen unless,in a city or town,some other municipal office
is designated to the chief executive office under the provisions of a local charter.
Massachusetts School Building Authority 4 Statement of Interest
Name of School ----SAMPLE SCHOOL[DRAFT]---
Massachusetts School Building Authority
School District Agawam
District Contact Robert Clickstein TEL: (413) 821-0.550
Name of School Agawam High
Submission Date 3/27/2013
Note
The following Priorities have been included in the Statement of Interest:
1. r Replacement or renovation of a building which is structurally unsound or otherwise in a condition seriously jeopardizing
the health and safety of school children,where no alternative exists.
2. r' Elimination of existing severe overcrowding.
3. r. Prevention of the loss of accreditation.
4. r Prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments.
5. r 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. 17 Short term enrollment growth.
7. 1✓! Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state
and approved local requirements.
8. E-' Transition from court-ordered and approved racial balance school districts to walk-to, so-called,or other school
districts.
SOI Vote Requirement
r. I acknowledge that I have reviewed the MSBA's vote requirements for submitting an SOI which are set forth in the Vote Tab
of this SOI. I understand that the MSBA requires votes from specific parties/governing bodies, in a specific format using the
language provided by the MSBA. Further, I understand that the MSBA requires certified and signed vote documentation to be
submitted with the SOI. I acknowledge that my SOI will not be considered complete and,therefore,will not be reviewed by the
MSBA unless the required accompanying vote documentation is submitted to the satisfaction of the MSBA.
Potential Project Scope: Potential New School
Is this SOI the District Priority SOI? - YES
District Goal for School: Please explain the educational goals of any potential project at this school
The goal for the Agawam Senior High School is to design a facility in order to provide a 21 st century education to our students.
Our current building was built in 1955 and is a one level facility which is inadequate for a variety of issues, including safety,
security,and academic programming. In addition we are looking to include an early childhood center in the Agawam Senior
High design. The ECC center would provide an educational setting for approxinmaley 200 pre-k students of which half are in
need of special services. The ECC program will also allow high school students to take advantage of onsite internship in early
childhood education which is not currently offered.
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District's Proposed Schedule: What is the District's proposed schedule to achieve the goal(s)stated above?
Both the City Council and School Committee have taken the appropriate votes to submit the Statement of Interest. At this time,
there is no specific timeline or schedule proposed, The planning of the project will be dependant upon MSBA approval.
Is this part of a larger facilities plan? NO
If"YES",please provide the following:
Facilities Plan Date:
Planning Firm:
Please provide an overview of the plan including as much detail as necessary to describe the plan, its goals
and how the school facility that is the subject of this SOI fits into that plan:
Please provide the current student to teacher ratios at the school facility that is the subject of this SOT: 20 students
per teacher
Please provide the originally planned student to teacher ratios at the school facility that is the subject of this SOI: 13
students per teacher
Does the District have a Master Educational Plan that includes facility goals for this building and all school buildings
in District? NO
Does the District have related report(s)ldocument(s)that detail its facilities,student configurations at each facility,
and District operational budget information,both current and proposed? NO
If"NO", please note that:
If, based on the SOI review process,a facility rises to the level of need and urgency and is invited into the
Eligibility Period,the District will need to provide to the MSBA a detailed Educational Plan for not only that
facility,but all facilities in the District in order to move forward in the MSBA's school building construction
process.
Is there overcrowding at the school facility? YES
If"YES",please describe in detail, including specific examples of the overcrowding.
In the foriegn languagelenglish wings locker configuration causes overcrowding during passing times. Resulting in students
and teachers being tardy to classes.
Has the district had any recent teacher layoffs or reductions? NO
If"YES", how many teaching positions were affected?0
At which schools in the district?
Please describe the types of teacher positions that were eliminated(e.g.,art, math, science,physical education,
etc.).
Has the district had any recent staff layoffs or reductions? NO
If"YES", how many staff positions were affected? 0
At which schools in the district?
Please describe the types of staff positions that were eliminated (e.g., 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.
NA
Please provide a detailed description of your most recent budget approval process including a description of any
budget reductions and the impact of those reductions on the district's school facilities,class sizes, and educational
program.
The Agawam Public Schools utilizes a very transparent and collaborative budget process. It begins site-based with each
Principal meeting with their staff and their School Councils to identify the schools needs.The building-based budgets are then
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presented to the Superintendent who consolidates them into a district budget and presents the preliminary budget to the Finance
Sub-Committee of the School Committee.After revisions are made from their input,a series of workshops arc held with the
School Commitee as well as a joint meeting with the School Finance Sub Committte of the City Council. Commentary is
received throughout the process from all stakeholders and copies of the propsed budget are made available to the public on the
district website,town hall,and public library.The Superintendent brings forward the recommended budget to the School
Committee at a public hearing where they vote to accept. Once the vote is taken, the School Committee forwards the
approved budget to the Mayor who reviews it and submits it to City Council for approval.The District has faced many
challenges with decreasing state aid and has had to replace it with temporary federal grant funding over the last several years.
Currently,we are seeing a reduction in both federal and state aid resulting in having to fund many of our costs out of the
district's budget.These are not easy decisions and are complicated even further with high-cost,special education, State,and
Federal unfunded mandates.
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General Description
BRIEF BUILDING HISTORY: Please provide a detailed description of when the original building was built,and the
date(s)and project scopes(s)of any additions and renovations(maximum of 5000 characters).
The original building was erected in 1955 as a 161,000 square foot,one-level structure. In 1961,the west wing was added
providing an additional 22,000 square feet. The science wing was added in 1980,which provided an additional 40,665
square footage. In 1997,the front office wing was added which provided 35,000 square feet for Special Education
adminstrative offices. Lastly,in 2001,the library addition was completed which added 8,164 square feet.
TOTAL BUILDING SQUARE FOOTAGE: Please provide the original building square footage PLUS the square
footage of any additions.
266829
SITE DESCRIPTION: Please provide a detailed description of the current site and any known existing conditions
that would impact a potential project at the site. Please note whether there are any other buildings,public or private,
that share this current site with the school facility.What is the use(s)of this building(s)? (maximum of 5000
characters).
The Agawam Senior High School sits on 44.5 acres of land located at 760 Cooper Street. The site is city owned and was
used as agricultural land prior to the building construction in 1955.Currently the High School is located in a residential
neighborhood and is surrounded by the school's athletic fields and the city's public library. The site does contain a 20,000
gallon steel oil tank which is in a vault.
ADDRESS OF FACILITY: Please type address,including number, street name and cityltown,if available,or
describe the location of the site. (Maximum of 300 characters)
Agawam High School,760 Cooper Street,Agawam MA 01001
BUILDING ENVELOPE: Please provide a detailed description of the building envelope,types of construction
materials used, and any known problems or existing conditions(maximum of 5000 characters).
The building is a one-story,concrete block infill and exterior brick veneer.The building additon in 1997 was fabricated with a
steel-frame structure.
Has there been a Major Repair or Replacement of the EXTERIOR WALLS ?NO
Year of Last Major Repair or Replacement: 1955
Description of Last Major Repair or Replacement:
Original,except for addition of new exterior walls with the building additons of 1961 and 1980
Has there been a Major Repair or Replacement of the ROOF? YES
Year of Last Major Repair or Replacement: 1998
Type Of ROOF: Sarnafil Rubber Membrane Flat Roof
Description of Last Major Repair or Replacement:
Total tear down and replacement of the roof with a Sarnafil Rubber Membrane roof with a warranty of 20 years
Has there been a Major Repair or Replacement of the WINDOWS? YES
Year of Last Major Repair or Replacement: 2001
Type Of WINDOWS:Double Pane Window
Description of Last Major Repair or Replacement:
Replacement of gym and cafeteria windows with double pane windows.
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MECHANICAL and ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: Please provide a detailed description of the current mechanical and
electrical systems and any known problems or existing conditions(maximum of 5000 characters).
The mechanical system at the Agawam Senior High School was installed in 1979.It is comprised of two HB Smith Model
640 Mills which are duel-fuel, gas and oil.The heat distribution system is a circulting hot water system which uses pipes and
univents.The electrical system was upgraded in 1998.All new wiring and panels were installed. A new digital fire alarm was
installed which is tied in directly with the local 911 system. All exterior doors and windows are alarmed and are monitored by
the local police dispatch system. A new intercom and clock system was also installed.
Has there been a Major Repair or Replacement of the BOILERS? YES
Year of Last Major Repair or Replacement: 1979
Description of Last Major Repair or Replacement:
Replaced complete system with HB Smith Model 640 Mills with duel-fuel gas and oil,replaced all univents and piping
for system.In 1998,an HB Smith Model 28 Gas Only boiler installed with addition.
Has there been a Major Repair or Replacement of the HVAC SYSTEM ?NO
Year of Last Major Repair or Replacement: 0
Description of Last Major Repair or Replacement:
Has there been a Major Repair or Replacement of the ELECTRICAL SERVICES AND DISTRIBUTION
SYSTEM?YES
Year of Last Major Repair or Replacement: 1998
Description of Last Major Repair or Replacement:
The service was replaced with a 2000 amp service,rewired the building and upgraded cafeteria to all electrical systems
and upgraded all classroom power receptacles. Installed new lighting fixtures through out building to T-8 fluorescent
lamps.
BUILDING INTERIOR: Please provide a detailed description of the current building interior including a description
of the flooring systems,finishes, ceilings,lighting, etc. (maximum of 5000 characters).
The building is vinyl tiled through out,and the ceilings are drop ceilings with recessed panels through out.
Lighting fixtures are T-8 fluorescent lamps. The building currently has 48 doors in need of some repair or repalcement. These
doors are a safety concern internally and externally. Especially in light of recent events such as the Sandy Hook school
tragedy.
PROGRAMS and OPERATIONS: Please provide a detailed description of the current programs offered and
indicate whether there are program components that cannot be offered due to facility constraints,operational
constraints,etc. (maximum of 5000 characters).
Currently, a full range of academic programs are offered at Agawam Senior High School, including core academics in English,
Math, Science, Social Studies,Foreign Language,Business,Technology, Career Ed,Health Education, Physical Education,
Technology, and Visual and Performing Arts.We also offer a number of honors and advanced placement courses as well.
Agawam Public Schools also provides many athletic and after-school activities for our students. We also provide a range of
programs for our Special Education students . Our programs are limited in the STEM areas due to our facility limitations. We
do not have the capacity to offer more Science,Tcchnolgy,Engineering and Math courses due to our building inadequacies.
CORE EDUCATIONAL SPACES: Please provide a detailed description of the Core Educational Spaces within the
facility, a description of the number and sizes(in square feet) of classrooms, a description of science rooms/labs
including ages and most recent updates,and a description of the media center/library(maximum of 5000 characters).
1 I-English Classrooms, 11 Math Classrooms, 6-Classrooms for Business and Computer Tech,5-Science Labs,7-Science
Lecture Classrooms,2-Art Classrooms, 1-Band Room 1-Chorus Room, 1-Music Room, 8-Special Education Classrooms,
3-Tech Ed Classrooms, I I- Social Studies Classrooms,7-Foreign Language Classrooms,3-Health/Food/Consumer Science
Classrooms,3-Gyms I-Teacher Workroom
CAPACITY and UTILIZATION: Please provide a detailed description of the current capacity and utilization of the
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school facility.If the school is overcrowded,please describe steps taken by the administration to address capacity
issues.Please also describe in detail any spaces that have been converted from their intended use to be used as
classroom space(maximum of 5000 characters).
All classrooms are at full capacity and scheduling is difficult.Many teachers at this time do not have dedicated classroom
space and must travel between classrooms to instruct. In addition to not having a classroom space, teachers do not have a
dedicated desk in or outside of the classroom that will allow them the time to plan and store materials. With the increase of
students taking AP lab sciences, lab sizes have increased,which has resulted in limited flexability in scheduling in other subject
areas.
The buildings shape and design also makes it hard for students and staff to safely navigate the building in a timely manner,
especially if there was an emergency at one end of the building.
The main office, guidance department,cafeteria,and athlectic facilities are not centrally located and conducive to Time On
Learning.
MAINTENANCE and CAPITAL REPAIR: Please provide a detailed description of the district's current
maintenance practices,its capital repair program,and the maintenance program in place at the facility that is the
subject of this SOI. Please include specific examples of capital repair projects undertaken in the past,including any
override or debt exclusion votes that were necessary(maximum of 5000 characters).
The building is maintained by eight full-time custodians. During school hours,there are 1.5 custodians. It is also supported by
the Town Maintenance Department,which has a core staff of craftsmen,plumbers, carpenters,and electricians. The facility is
inspected annually, and the condition is updated and documented. Work orders are issued for all items requiring repair. Any
repair costing more than$20,000 must be proposed on the annual Capital Improvement Budget.
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Priority 2
Question 1:Please describe the existing conditions that constitute severe overcrowding.
Agawam High School has recently developed an Advisory Program as a requirement for accreditation. We have approximately
t t0 advisory groups. We only have 80 classrooms in the high school and have had to utilize any open space available to
accommodate these advisory groups.
The Special Education Department is also housed in the High School,utilizing space added in the most recent renovation.Over the
last 8 years,the District has brought additional Special Education programs into the high school. Currently two classroom
spaces are utilized to house these programs. Please note; the number of students entering the high school with Special Needs is
projected to increase in the next two of years.
Another area of concern is a private/confidential space to provide Special Education testing,meetings with probation officers,and
the Department for Children and Families. There is also a limited space for students with special needs for lunch and other personal
issues for staff and students, (ie.to support their decision to nurse their child,no areas are available that provide the privacy to do
so).
The current on-site area to assist students with medical needs and medical testing is in adequate. Faculty is also assisted in this
area.
The current Career Center is in close proximity to the Counseling Secretaries who are handling confidential documents and
materials. Also, sensitive issues may arise in this area where students and families are conducting business.
Hallways are narrow and overcrowded. The antiquated locker system from the 1950's is not conducive to today's safety issues.
The current lockers date back to the late 1950's and are in poor working condition. During passing, students have difficulty
opening their lockers due to the large number of students in the hallways. Over the years,additions to the building have created an
unusual flow of student traffic with
bottlenecks,unruly comers,and twists in hallways.
The District's IT department is housed in the High School.Due to the growth of the Instructional Technology Department,they
have had to take additional classroom space to house servers. Technology expansion of the Library has caused additional loss of
classroom space. This has resulted in staff having to use space outside of the library for labs.Because our technology needs have
grown,we have had to maximized classrooms with computer hardware and, in some classes,have a smaller number of computers
due to wiring deficiencies.
The growth of the Science curriculum has caused scheduling dilemmas in accommodating additional lab experiences for students.
As a result of this,we have had to limit the size of these classrooms so we are in accordance with safety regulations when
conducting laboratory experiments. We have also seen many more students taking Advance Placement Science courses,which'
has resulted in a greater need for lab space.
The needs of our growing Alternative Learning Program are not presently being met,due to the limited space available and the
unique requirements necessary to work effectively with this student population.
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Priority 2
Question 2: Please describe the measures the School District has taken to mitigate the problem(s)described above.
For Advisories: Groups not in classrooms are located in hallways,several areas of the gymnasium and cafeteria.The auditorium
stage and seating area is also utilized. This program began in December and
teachers in non-classroom spaces are having difficulty managing the Advisory curriculum in the spaces they have been assigned.
For Private Confidential Space: The Principal's secretary works closely with the Principal to schedule spaces for student testing
and visitations from outside agencies.
The Clinic: Additional space was renovated to provide for overcrowding in the Clinic/Nurse's office. Current space is still limited.
Only two cots are available for students.
Alternative Learning Program: The-Alternative Learning Program moved to the space vacated by the Building Maintenance and
Parks and Recreation Departments in 2011. The space renovated is proving to be inadequate.
Counseling/Career Center Update: In the 2008 NEASC report,the Counseling and Nurses Offices were cited for having
inadequate space. Adjoining rooms were used to expand these areas. A ripple effect occurred by moving the Athletic Directors
office into the existing teachers' cafeteria.Consequently,a teachers' cafeteria was carved out of the existing student cafeteria. The
Counseling Office utilized space in the Career Center. The current Career Center space is shared with the Counseling Department
secretaries.
Special Education Programs: Specially designed classrooms were developed in accordance with IEP mandates to support students
with autism and other disabilities.
Hallway Overcrowding: A set of doors was removed to assist in student traffic flow. Hallways are still overcrowded due to the
narrow design. Increased hallway supervision and the addition of hallway
cameras help to prevent student misbehavior.
Instructional Technology Department: Classroom space was given to the District's IT department to allow for expansion and
growth of technology. An area was also renovated to allow for district technology
training.
Science Curriculum: Creative scheduling by the master scheduler has found solutions for tab space problems. However,solutions
are not optimal and cause a scheduling.ripple effect for students. The
scheduling of Science courses often dictates other course scheduling. Science drives the scheduling for the whole school
Computer needs: To support struggling students,an on-line laboratory was created for Credit Recovery. Classroom space was
utilized for this program. We have worked closely with the IT department
to maximize computer usage in existing labs. We are at capacity in those rooms. Often circuit breakers are tripped because of over
use.
Future plans: As soon as an area becomes available,we arc rc-purposing existing space to accommodate the changes in
technology and education.
There is space in the school that is not being utilized;however, construction is required to get the space operational. The garage
space can be renovated for Art Classrooms and the older Technical Education classrooms will require renovation,which would
allow for additional classroom space. The old home economics classroom needs renovating to be made into additional classroom
space. The current Art classrooms will be renovated to house two additional Science, non-lab classrooms.
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Priority 2
Question 3:Please provide a detailed explanation of the impact of the problem described in this priority on your
district's educational program. Please include specific examples of how the problem prevents the district from
delivering the educational program it is required to deliver and how students and/or teachers are directly affected by
the problem identified
The impact of overcrowding has had a direct effect on privacy such as Special Education testing, meetings with probation
officers, and the Department for Children and Families. Privacy concerns also exist at the career center.
Due to the configuration of the building students are having difficulty passing in a timely and safe manner. We have many
bottlenecks and twists in the hallways.
We are also facing loss of additional classroom space due to housing the Special Education Department and the IT
department in the same building.
We are also facing scheduling dilemmas due to the growth in the Science curriculum. This has resulted in a ripple affect in
scheduling students for other courses.
Please also provide the following:
Cafeteria Seating Capacity: 500
Number of lunch seatings per day: 4
Are modular units currently present on-site and being used for classroom space?: NO
If"YES",indicate the number of years that the modular units have been in use:
Number of Modular Units:
Classroom count in Modular Units:
Seating Capacity of Modular classrooms:
What was the original anticipated useful life in years of the modular units when they were installed?:
Have non-traditional classroom spaces been converted to be used for classroom space?: YES
If"YES",indicate the number of non-traditional classroom spaces in use: 6
Please provide a description of each non-traditional classroom space,its originally-intended use and how it is
currently used(maximum of 1000 characters).:
Room 12 was converted from a storage room to an office/small classroom for students with special needs(Speech and
Language)
Room 13 was used as a small classroom in the past and is now used as a Television studio.
The ticket booth located in the main entrance of the high school is used as a last resort for meeting space to accommodate
special ed testing,meeting with probation and DCF and other needs.
Parks and Recreation and Building Maintenance offices were converted into the Alternative Learning Program.
A musical instrument/band storage area was converted for classroom use(piano/guitar)
Please explain any recent changes to the district's educational program,school assignment polices,grade
configurations,class size policy,school closures,changes in administrative space,or any other changes that impact the
district's enrollment capacity(maximum of 5000 characters).:
Adviso rou s not in classrooms are located in hallways,several areas of the gymnasium and cafeteria. The auditorium
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_7:1
stage and seating area is also utilized. This program began in December 2012,and teachers in non-classroom spaces are
having difficulty managing the Advisory curriculum in the spaces they have been assigned.
What are the district's current class size policies (maximum of 500 characters)?:
Our practice is to have 20 students in our Inclusion classrooms, 25 max in Language used Special Ed classes,20 in lab
sciences, 12 in MCAS remediation courses,30 per PE class,and in all other areas, 23 is the optimal.The the average for all
classes is 23-24 students. When scheduling,the minimum number of students for courses range from 13-15. Computer labs
range from 17-23.
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Priority 3
Question l:Please provide a detailed description of the '!facility-related"issues that are threatening accreditation.
Please include in this description details related to the program or facility resources (i.e. Media Center/Library,
Science Rooms/Labs,general classroom space, etc.) whose condition or state directly threatens the facility's
accreditation status
The report specifically cites the following issues:
Creation of a unisex- accessible bathroom in the rotunda area and conversion of the old training room(in the gym area)into a
unisex-accessible bathroom
Inadequate classroom space with undersized,older classrooms; bottlenecks in passing areas at the intersection of the old and new
parts of the school; substandard bathroom facilities,the need for unisex bathrooms and the lack of handicapped access to such
facilities;as the auditorium;the unsafe condition of the bleachers on the athletic field and Title IX-lack of a women's team room.
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Priority 3
Question 2:Please describe the measures the district has taken to mitigate the problem(s) described above.
For the issues related to the auditorium,we are working with the Architectural Access Board by Casella Design
Associates, LLC(architects)regarding a variance request.We have also included the team room as part of our
Capital Improvement Plan for FY'14 and have put out an RFP for the bleachers,athletic field,and women's team room.
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Priority 3
Question 3:Please provide a detailed explanation of the impact of theproblem described in this priority on your
district's educational program. Please include specific examples of how the problem prevents the district from
delivering the educational program it is required to deliver and how students and/or teachers are directly affected by
the problem(s) identified
Classroom space is limited and unable to support program needs. There is insufficient classroom space to allow teachers dedicated
space,there by requiring to travel from classroom to classroom to instruct different courses. The classrooms from the original
building are small,approximately 768 square feet, filled with 22 plus students,which leaves a teacher little negotiating room to utilize
board space. The layout of the building,and bottlenecks at the intersection of the new and old building cause dangerous situations
during change of class times.
Please also provide the following:
Name of accrediting entity(maximum of 100 characters)::
NEASC
Current Accreditation Status: Please provide appropriate number as 1=Passed,2=Probation,3=Warning,4=Lost:
3
If"WARNING",indicate the date accreditation may be switched to Probation or lost:: 1/]/2010
If"PROBATION",indicate the date accreditation may be lost::
Please provide the date of the first accreditation visit that resulted in your current accreditation status.: 10/8/2008
Please provide the date of the follow-up accreditation visit:: 10/18/2018
Are facility-related issues related to Media Center/Library? If yes,please describe in detail in Question 1 below.:
NO
Are facility-related issues related to Science Rooms/Labs? If yes,please describe in detail in Question 1 below.:
NO
Are facility-related issues related to general classroom spaces? If yes,please describe in detail in Question 1 below.:
YES
Are facility-related issues related to SPED? If yes,please describe in detail in Question 1 below: NO
Are facility-related issues related to support spaces? If yes,please describe in detail in Question 1 below.: YES
Are facility-related issues related to "Other"? If yes,please identify the other area below and describe in detail in
Question I below.: YES
Please describe(maximum of 100 characters).:
ADA issues,unsafe conditions, substandard bathroom facilities,and privacy issues,
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Priority 7
Question l:Please provide a detailed description of the programs not currently available due to facility constraints,
the state or local requirement far such programs, and the facility limitations precluding the programs from being
offered
The Agawam Senior High School's program of study is expanding its courses in Science,Technology,Engineering,and Math. In
order to do so, our classrooms need to be state-of-the-art to support the curriculum. Our current classroom sizes cannot support
the enrollment expected in these courses or the technology required to support the curriculum. Also,the area currently available for
conversion,the old Industrial Arts area,is antiquated and has safety issues. It would be difficult and costly to upgrade the electrical
needs due to the fact that the walls are made of concrete.
The Agawam Senior High School is also very interested in partnering with an institution of higher learning to begin a curriculum for
students interested in early childhood education. This partnership would link with another initiative we have in place with Westfield
State University(WSU)and our Special Education Program. Since 2004,the incidence of students with autism, identified by
Massachusetts public schools,has increased 59%. Agawam has a comprehensive PK-12 Applied Verbal Behavior Program
(AVB)based upon Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA)that focuses on teaching verbal behavior through a collection of highly
effective procedures taken from the science behavior analysis. This program receives clinical consultation from a Board Certified
Behavior Analyst(BCBA). WSU has a Graduate Certificate Program in ABA that leads to a certification as a Behavior Analyst.
Agawam Public Schools partners with WSU to facilitate practicum placement.
Our goal would be to relocate our Early Childhood Center,which is a Special Education model with high population of autistic
students,to Agawam Senior High School and to offer our student population a program of studies in Early Childhood Education in
collaboration with Westfield State University. Presently,our ECC program is housed in a space that is not conducive to the current
population and continues to grow. We have determined that the current ECC building has inadequate classroom space for students
and non existent prep and planning area for staff,as well as various structural issues. Therefore,the District would need to build or
find an alternative space for ECC at an expense that it cannot afford.By combining our ECC program with the High School project,
the district would realize a large costs savings.
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Priority 7
Question 2:Please describe the measures the district has taken or is planning to take in the immediate future to
mitigate the problem(s) described above.
The Agawam Senior High School has taken steps to increase course offerings in the STEM areas. We were recipients of a
Massachusetts Math and Science Initiative grant,which provided more opportunities for advance placement courses.The grant
provided$400,000 over a 3-year period. The Agawam Public Schools has also focused our recent submission to the Department
of Elementary and Secondary Education's Race to the Top application in these areas as well.
Our Special Education Department has already established a relationship with Westfield State University to have candidates
perform their practicurns at our Early Childhood Center.
We are also in the early stages of looking at other funding sources to assist us in obtaining some of the goals mentioned in the SOI,
but would prefer one funding source rather than multiple sources.
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Priority 7
Question 3:Please provide a detailed explanation of the impact of the problem described in this priority on your
district's educational program. Please include specific examples of how the problem prevents the district from
delivering the educational program it is required to deliver and how students and/or teachers are directly affected by
the problem identified.
The impact of receiving a state-of-the-art high school would be monumental to the community. The educational opportunities that
could be provided to the students of Agawam would be limitless. Safety and security issues would immediately improve by
eliminating the use of a one-story,multi-door facility. Larger size classrooms,which could support technology and engineering
curriculum as well as 21st century Science laboratories,would prepare our students for the best institutions of higher learning.
Another direct impact would be on the environment. With a smaller footprint and a greener building,the district would not only have
a sustainable building,but also would realize costs savings due to lighting, less energy consumption,and use of materials.
Lastly,our goal of combing our high school with our early childhood education center would afford us the opportunity, to engage
students in career opportunities while offering our staff and local universities the opportunity to study the ever-increasing incidences
of autism and possibly offer solutions to controlling the spiraling costs of educating these students.
Massachusetts School Building Authority 20 Statement of Interest
Name of School -----SAMPLE SCHOOL[DRAFT]—-
Vote
Vote of Municipal Governing Body YES: 11 NO: 0 Date: 1/3/2012
Vote of School Committee YES: 5 NO: 0 Date: 12/19/2011
Vote of Regional School Committee YES: NO: Date:
Massachusetts School Building Authority 21 Statement of Interest
Name of School -----SAMPLE SCHOOL[DRAFT]-----
REQUIRED FORM OF VOTE TO SUBMIT AN SOI
REQUIRED VOTES
If a City or Town,a vote in the following form is required from both the City CounciUBoard of Aldermen
OR the Board of Selectmen/equivalent governing body AND the School Committee.
If a regional school district, a vote in the following form is required from the Regional School Committee
only. FORM OF VOTE Please use the text below to prepare your City's,Town's or District's required
vote(s).
FORM OF VOTE
Please use the text below to prepare your City's, Town's or District's required vote(s).
Resolved: Having convened in an open meeting on ,the
[Cif.(;.mnrWig...ard oJlldernrrn,
How Jnl.S.lrri+nrn'£ga,ivaknl Cinarrning Bwiir'.5 h;a.d Comuruhay Of JCh.VT nrnJ, to
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
farm �l's.h..�rl located at
rddr«,� which
describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application
may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future
flnc,•rl ndr..'cripriwn ollhrpri..rin-i c7.hr•k�;l..f]
on 1hr5iarrmenr<.J 7nrrr;;ar Pormenda hrie]'drarr{priun u!rhr drJirr,rrn descrih.ld lhri rin/nr r.r,:hpriorilpj; and hereby further
specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of interest Form,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 City/Town/Rcgional School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School
Building Authority.
Massachusetts School Building Authority 22 Statement of Interest
Name of School — SAMPLE SCHOOL[DRAFT]-----
CERTIFICATIONS
The undersigned hereby certifies that,to the best of his/her knowledge, information and belief, the statements and information
contained in this statement of Interest and attached hereto are true and accurate and that this Statement of Interest has been
prepared under the direction of the district school committee and the undersigned is duly authorized to submit this Statement of
Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The undersigned also hereby acknowledges and agrees to provide
the Massachusetts School Building Authority, upon request by the Authority, any additional information relating to this
Statement of Interest that may be required by the Authority.
Chief Executive Officer * School Committee Chair Superintendent of Schools
(print name) (print name) (print name)
(signature) (signature) (signature)
Date Date Date
* Local chief executive officer: In a city or town with a manager form of government, the manager of the municipality; in other
cities, the mayor;and in other towns, the board of selectmen unless,in a city or town, some other municipal office is
designated to the chief executive office under the provisions of a local charter.
Massachusetts School Building Authority 23 Statement of Interest
RESOLUTION TR-2013-21
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF A STATEMENT OF INTEREST
FOR A NEW EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AND HIGH SCHOOL
(Sponsored by: Mayor Richard A. Cohen on behalf of the Agawam School Committee)
WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Center was built in 1994 and renovated in 2000.w
cm
encompass 8,000 square feet; and s
a�
WHEREAS, 8,000 square feet is not sufficient to meet the needs of the Early Chit!hoQ.
Program; and co 3rn
x
WHEREAS, the Agawam High School was originally built in 1955 with additiort>s-buiWo
in 1961, 1980, 1997 and 2001; and
0-
WHEREAS, the athletic facilities, track and bleachers at the Agawam High School are
in need of repair and renovation; and
WHEREAS, the locker rooms and bathrooms at the Agawam High School are in need of
repair and renovation; and
WHEREAS, The Statement of Interest is the first step in the Massachusetts School
Building Authority's process for the new grant program for school construction and renovation
projects; and
WHEREAS, the Statement of Interest can be completed at no cost to the City or School
Department; and
WHEREAS, all communities are welcome to submit a Statement of Interest to the
MSBA, identifying the perceived deficiencies in their school facilities; and
WHEREAS, all Statements of Interest must be transmitted to the MSBA using the online
Statement of Interest System; and
WHEREAS, the deadline for submission of the Statement of Interest is April 10, 2013;
and
WHEREAS, a certified vote of the City Council and full text of the vote of the School
Committee with a copy of the minutes of the meeting at which the School Committee voted to
authorize the submission of the Statement of Interest, signed by the Chairman of the School
committee must accompany the Electronic Submission of the Statement of Interest.
NOW THEREFORE, The Agawam School Committee having convened an open
meeting on March 12, 2013 has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the
Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated April_, 2013
Y
for the Agawam High School which is located at 760 Cooper Street, Agawam, MA which
describes and explains the following deficiencies and priority categories for which an application
may be submitted to MSBA in the future: Priority#3 Prevention of loss of accreditation and
Priority#7 Replacement of, or addition to, obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range
of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements.
The Deficiencies for Priority#3 are as follows:
Classroom space is limited and lacking to support program needs. there is insufficient classroom
space to allow teachers dedicated space and requires them to travel from classroom to classroom
to instruct different courses. The classrooms from the original building are small, approximately
768 square feet, filled with 20 plus students, and offer a teacher little negotiation space to use
board space. the layout of the building bottlenecks at the intersection of the new and old
building, resulting in dangerous situations during the change of class times.
The Deficiencies for Priority#7 are as follows:
Agawam High School's Program of Studies is expanding its course offerings in Science,
Technology, engineering and Mathematics. To do so, classrooms need to be state-of-the-art to
support the curriculum. Current classroom sizes cannot support enrollment expected in these
courses or the technology required to support the curriculum. The area currently available for
conversion is antiquated and along with safety issues, would be difficult and costly to upgrade
the electrical needs due to the walls, which are made of concrete. Our goal would be to move our
Early Childhood Center, which is a Special Education Model with a high population of autistic
students, to the Agawam High School to utilize our student population for collaboration with
Westfield State University and our Program of Studies in Early Childhood Education. The
district would realize savings by closing the Early Childhood Center, which is inadequate in size
and condition, and combine both facilities for programmatic and cost efficient reasons; and
hereby, further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, The
Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of
an application, the awarding of a grant, or any funding commitment for the Massachusetts
School Building Authority, or commits the City to filing an application for Funding with the
Massachusetts School Building Authority.
Dated this_day of , 2013
PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
Christopher Johnson, President
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
Vincent Gioscia, Solicitor
RESOLUTION TR-2013-21
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF A STATEMENT OF INTEREST
FOR A NEW EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AND HIGH SCHOOL
(Sponsored by: Mayor Richard A. Cohen on behalf of the Agawam School Committee)
WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Center was built in 1994 and renovated in 2000 to
encompass 8,000 square feet; and
WHEREAS, 8,000 square feet is not sufficient to meet the needs of the Early Childhood
Program; and
WHEREAS, the Agawam High School was originally built in 1955 with additions built
in 1961, 1980, 1997 and 2001; and
WHEREAS, the athletic facilities, track and bleachers at the Agawam High School are
in need of repair and renovation; and
WHEREAS, the locker rooms and bathrooms at the Agawam High School are in need of
repair and renovation; and
WHEREAS, The Statement of Interest is the first step in the Massachusetts School
Building Authority's process for the new grant program for school construction and renovation
projects; and
WHEREAS, the Statement of Interest can be completed at no cost to the City or School
Department; and
WHEREAS, all communities are welcome to submit a Statement of Interest to the
MSBA, identifying the perceived deficiencies in their school facilities; and
WHEREAS, all Statements of Interest must be transmitted to the MSBA using the online
Statement of Interest System; and
WHEREAS, the deadline for submission of the Statement of Interest is April 10, 2013;
and
WHEREAS, a certified vote of the City Council and full text of the vote of the School
Committee with a copy of the minutes of the meeting at which the School Committee voted to
authorize the submission of the Statement of Interest, signed by the Chairman of the School
committee must accompany the Electronic Submission of the Statement of Interest.
NOW THEREFORE, The Agawam School Committee having convened an open
meeting on March 12, 2013 has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the
Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated April ^, 2013
RESOLUTION TR-2013-21
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF A STATEMENT OF INTEREST
FOR A NEW EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AND HIGH SCHOOL
(Sponsored by: Mayor Richard A. Cohen on behalf of the Agawam School Committee)
WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Center was built in 1994 and renovated in 2000 to
encompass 8,000 square feet; and
WHEREAS, 8,000 square feet is not sufficient to meet the needs of the Early Childhood
Program; and
WHEREAS, the Agawam High School was originally built in 1955 with additions built
in 1961, 1980, 1997 and 2001; and
WHEREAS, the athletic facilities, track and bleachers at the Agawam High School are
in need of repair and renovation; and
WHEREAS, the locker rooms and bathrooms at the Agawam High School are in need of
repair and renovation; and
WHEREAS, The Statement of Interest is the first step in the Massachusetts School
Building Authority's process for the new grant program for school construction and renovation
projects; and
WHEREAS, the Statement of Interest can be co "L
Cw14�.�t 1
Department; and 3.t3o-
WHEREAS, all communities are welcome to si
MSBA, identifying the perceived deficiencies in their s,
WHEREAS, all Statements of Interest must be
Statement of Interest System; and
WHEREAS, the deadline for submission of th,
and
WHEREAS, a certified vote of the City Coun,
Committee with a copy of the minutes of the meeting
authorize the submission of the Statement of Interest,
committee must accompany the Electronic Submission of the Statement of Intdrest: -
NOW THEREFORE, The Agawam School Committee having convened an open
meeting on March 12, 2013 has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the
Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated April , 2013
for the Agawam High School which is located at 760 Cooper Street, Agawam, MA which
describes and explains the following deficiencies and priority categories for which an application
may be submitted to MSBA in the future: Priority#3 Prevention of loss of accreditation and
Priority47 Replacement of, or addition to, obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range
of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements.
The Deficiencies for Priority#3 are as follows:
Classroom space is limited and lacking to support program needs. there is insufficient classroom
space to allow teachers dedicated space and requires them to travel from classroom to classroom
to instruct different courses. The classrooms from the original building are small, approximately
768 square feet, filled with 20 plus students, and offer a teacher little negotiation space to use
board space. the layout of the building bottlenecks at the intersection of the new and old
building, resulting in dangerous situations during the change of class times.
The Deficiencies for Priority#7 are as follows:
Agawam High School's Program of Studies is expanding its course offerings in Scicnce,
Technology, engineering and Mathematics. To do so, classrooms need to be state-of-the-art to
support the curriculum. Current classroom sizes cannot support enrollment expected in these
courses or the technology required to support the curriculum. The area currently available for
conversion is antiquated and along with safety issues, would be difficult and costly to upgrade
the electrical needs due to the walls, which are made of concrete. Our goal would be to move our
Early Childhood Center, which is a Special Education Model with a high population of autistic
students, to the Agawam High School to utilize our student population for collaboration with
Westfield State University and our Program of Studies in Early Childhood Education. The
district would realize savings by closing the Early Childhood Center, which is inadequate in size
and condition, and combine both facilities for programmatic and cost efficient reasons; and
hereby, further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, The
Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of
an application, the awarding of a grant, or any funding commitment for the Massachusetts
School Building Authority, or commits the City to filing an application for Funding with the
Massachusetts School Building Authority.
Dated this,day of T 12013
PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
Christopher Johnson, President
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
Vincent Gioscia, Solicitor
SCR-13-07
it RESOLUTION
APPROVAL TO AUTHORIZE PREPARATION OF STATEMENT OF INTEREST FOR A
NEW EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AND HIGH SCHOOL
WHEREAS, the Agawam Early Childhood Center was built in 1994 and renovated in 2000 to encompass 8,000
square feet, and
WHEREAS, 8,000 square feet is not sufficient to meet the needs of the Early Childhood Program, and
WHEREAS, the Agawam High School was originally built in 1955 with additions built in 1961, 1980, 1997,
and 2001, and
WHEREAS, the athletic facilities, track, and bleachers at Agawam High School are in need of repair and
renovation, and
WHEREAS, the locker rooms and bathrooms at the Agawam High School are in need of repair and renovation,
and
WHEREAS, the Statement of Interest is the first step in the Massachusetts School Building Authority's process
for the new grant program for school construction and renovation projects, and
WHEREAS, a Statement of Interest can be completed at no cost to the City or School Department, and
WHEREAS, all communities are welcome to submit a Statement of Interest to the MSBA, identifying the
perceived deficiencies in their school facilities, and
WHEREAS, all Statements of interest must be transmitted to the MSBA using the online Statement of Interest
System, and
WHEREAS, a certified vote of the City Council and full text of the vote of the School Committee with a copy
of the minutes of the meeting at which the School Committee voted to authorize the submission of the
Statement of Interest , signed by the chairman of the School Committee must accompany the electronic
submission of the Statement of Interest.
NOW, therefore, the Agawam School Committee having convened in an open meeting on March 12, 2013, has
voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement
of interest Form dated April 14, 2013 for the Agawam High School located at 760 Cooper Street, Agawam,
MA, which describes and explains the following deficiencies and priority categories for which an application
may be submitted to the MSBA in the future: Priority #3, Prevention of loss of accreditation and Priority#7,
Replacement of, or addition to, obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent
with state and approved local requirements.
The deficiencies for Priority#3 are as follows:
Classroom space is limited and is lacking to support program needs. There is insufficient classroom space to
allow teachers dedicated space and requires them to travel from classroom to classroom to instruct different
courses. The classrooms from the original building are small, approximately 768 square feet, filled with 20 plus
students, and offer a teacher little negotiation space to utilize board space. The layout of the building
bottlenecks at the intersection of the new and old building, resulting in dangerous situations during the change
of class times.
The deficiencies for Priority #7 are as follows:
Agawam High School's Program of Studies is expanding its course offerings in Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics. To do so, classrooms need to be state-of-the-art to support the curriculum.
Current classroom sizes cannot support enrollment expected in these courses or the technology required to
support the curriculum. The area currently available for conversion is antiquated and along with safety issues,
would be difficult and costly to upgrade the electrical needs due to the walls, which are made of concrete. Our
goal would be to move our Early Childhood Center, which is a Special Education model with a high population
of autistic students, to the Agawam High School to utilize our student population for collaboration with
Westfield State University and our Program of Studies in Early Childhood Education. The district would
realize savings by closing the Early Childhood Center, which is inadequate in size and condition, and combine
both facilities for programmatic and cost efficient reasons; and hereby, further specifically acknowledges that by
submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building authority in no way guarantees
the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant, or any funding commitment for the
Massachusetts School Building Authority , or commits the City to filing an application for funding with the
Massachusetts School Building Authority.
William P. Sapelli, C.A.G.S., SU' erinfendent ate
SCHOOL COMMITTEE ACTION
yeas Q nays abstentions absent
�Y
Dated this - /a2 day of , 2013.
Richard A. Cohen, Mayor/Chairperson Agawam School Committee
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