We’re starting a monthly update dedicated to the middle school project. If you would like to receive them in the future, updates will be sent via the district’s ParentSquare app. Please follow this link: Join Community Groups and select “Middle School Project.” No phone number is necessary. Members of the public are welcome to join.
This update includes:
Upcoming Meetings
Project Update
Project Timeline
Upcoming Meetings
Thursday, March 28 at 5:30pm – Programming Working Group –38 Liberty Street
Thursday, April 4 at 5:30pm – Building Committee Meeting –38 Liberty Street
Thursday, April 11 at 5:30pm – Sustainability Working Group –38 Liberty Street
Thursday, April 18 at 5:30pm – tentative – Programming Working Group
Project Update
The Building Committee met for the first time on March 7. HMFH Architects reviewed the timeline of the project to date and presented two “parti” (concept) drawings of the building. The committee preferred the Main Street concept. A request for proposal (RFP) for construction management services was posted in January, with selection planned in early May.
o Building Committee – HMFH Architects presentation & proposed space summary
o Building Committee – Concord TV
The Programming Working Group met March 14. The programming group’s purpose is to look closely at the spaces for student services including special education, multi-language learning, after-school programs and athletics and provide feedback to the architects and Building Committee. The programming group heard a brief review of the project and reviewed the major spaces.
The sustainability working group will meet on April 11 and provide preliminary feedback to HMFH on options including solar and geothermal.
A land survey is being conducted at the Broken Ground site. The public will see survey flags in various areas of the property.
Resource: Middle School Project webpage: https://www.sau8.org/page/middle-school-project This page includes the school building aid application, the project timeline, the full 2022 Preliminary Design Study and documents, reports and presentations by year.
Project Timeline
History
The Board of Education and district administration have been working on the middle school project since 2017. Graphic timeline
2017 – Evaluation of Rundlett Middle School (RMS), analyze site options, RMS feasibility study, evaluate renovation versus new construction, study grade configurations, community engagement
2019 – Board of Education votes new construction
2021 – Review elementary research, study grade configurations, feasibility estimate, community engagement
2022 – Review space needs to staff and demographic study, update existing conditions report, site assessment at Clinton Street, explore YMCA partnership, conceptual design study and cost estimate, submit NH Department of Education building aid application, RFQ for architectural design services and HMFH Architects selected to assist with building aid application
2023 – Select architects, site selection working sessions, update program needs, public hearings, select location for school
Next Steps – 2024
o March - Formation of Building Committee, programming and sustainability working groups
o January – May – Schematic design (development of a detailed plan)
o February – Construction manager RFP
o May – Construction manager selected
o June – Cost estimate presented to Building Committee
o June – October 2024 - Design development
o November 2024-October 2025 – Construction documents
2025-2028
o November 2024-October 2025 – Construction documents
o June 2025 – State budget approval
o November 2025 – NH Department of Education building aid ranking published
o December 2025 – Building aid award
o December 2025 – State Fire Marshall Review
o January 2026 – Construction starts
o August 2028 – School opens