Question 1

What is the proposed plan for the high school?

Accepted Answer

Build a new academic wing in the space currently in front of the building with modern classrooms and windows, renovate where it makes sense (gym, auditorium, Center for Education with high school curricular programs, BECC, and district functions), and preserve Varsity Field.

Question 2

What impacts will construction have on students enrolled at BHS?

Accepted Answer

Students who are present during construction will remain in current academic spaces until new ones are ready. The only impact will be ~4 months without auditorium access, during which alternative space (e.g. MSMS auditorium) will be available for use as needed. Traffic flows may change during various construction phases, but bus lanes and drop-off lanes will be maintained throughout. It is intended to perform renovation work in the gymnasiums during summer months and one gym will always be available during the school year.

Question 3

When will construction start?

Accepted Answer

Spring of 2027
Current 11th graders will be 12th graders 
Current 10th graders will be 11th graders 
Current 9th graders will be 10th graders
Current 8th graders will be 9th graders

Question 4

When will students move into the new classrooms?

Accepted Answer

The current project schedule contemplates a phased move-in for students in the Spring of 2029.  The new academic wing will be fully completed for the start of school in the Fall of 2029 as per below.
Current 9th graders will be 12th graders 
Current 8th graders will be 11th graders
Current 7th graders will be 10th graders
Current 6th graders will be 9th graders

Question 5

Why are the gyms and auditorium being renovated rather than replaced?

Accepted Answer

The auditorium and gyms are structurally sound and are well-maintained. The wooden gym’s floor is relatively new, as it was replaced in 2020 after a leak caused by the then-45-year-old HVAC system flooded it with several inches of water. The floor in the rubber gym will be replaced.  The gyms will be updated and have air conditioning installed.

Question 6

How will the new classrooms be better than the current classrooms?

Accepted Answer

The new academic spaces will enable delivery of 21st century curriculum. The science labs will get improved ventilation to clear chemical and other odors during lab work, movable tables to support hands-on lab work and collaboration, and a proper chemical disposal system. Many of the classrooms today don’t have windows; in the new building, all of them will. Sound proofing, lighting and better classroom orientation regarding shape and size benefit modern educational delivery methods. 
“Maker space” will allow for hands-on technology exploration and cross-disciplinary studies where classes can break out and work together fostering a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and Math) network of classes that support 21st century skills in all learners.

Question 7

What modern safety features does the current building lack?

Accepted Answer

Life safety systems - fire suppression (sprinklers), improved exit paths, mass      notification systems and modern fire alarm systems as well as lock-down      features, and ventilation.
ADA compliance in multiple areas, including lockers, doors, ramps, sinks, classrooms, etc.
Other security features not to be described so as not to reveal vulnerabilities

Question 8

Why does the entire HVAC system need to be replaced rather than just pumps/boilers?

Accepted Answer

Feeds go into each room - the whole delivery system needs to be replaced.  The new system being proposed is a modern technology that requires new terminal units, new supply lines that are fed from an air source heat pump and new fresh air ventilation ducts.

Question 9

What is the Center for Education?

Accepted Answer

The Center for Education is a renovation to a portion of the current building and will service students and the community. These programs include the Burlington Early Childhood Center, IT help center, Pathways Programs, Simonds Youth Academy, Robotics, the Science Center, the lower library, and tutor offices, all of which are used by students daily. A dedicated preschool space for the Early Childhood Development program saves significant funds by supporting in-district placements. Burlington Cable Access Television and Central Administration will remain where they are to be renovated and brought up to code. We analyzed multiple alternatives and found that keeping these spaces on campus is the most cost-effective and logistically feasible solution for students and staff.

Question 10

How much will it cost?

Accepted Answer

Current project estimates for a renovation only project is $330 million.  The Schematic Design total project budget is estimated at $334.8 million.

Question 11

How long will it take?

Accepted Answer

The project is expected to last 5-6 years.  Our current schedule on the basis of a successful vote in the Fall of 2025 at Town Meeting and subsequent debt exclusion vote.  Construction of the new academic wing will begin in the Spring of 2027 and be available for students in the Fall of 2029.  Additional demolition and renovation will occur from the Summer of 2029 through the Summer of 2030.  Final sitework will be completed in the Spring of 2031.

Question 12

Where will it be located?

Accepted Answer

The proposed option is currently located within the existing school footprint.

Question 13

Why are we doing this now?

Accepted Answer

The current high school was completed in 1971 and many of the mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems are in need of replacement. As detailed by BLW in both their 2017 and 2021 reports, the School’s HVAC systems need a complete overhaul as they are not energy-efficient, costly to maintain, and well past the end of their expected lifespan. The electrical distribution system is also past the end of its expected lifespan and should be replaced. The cost of implementing these mechanical and electrical upgrades will likely be high enough – as a percentage of the building’s assessed value – that it will trigger a building-wide accessibility upgrade and a building-wide automatic sprinkler system.

Question 14

Is there a formal timeline showing the duration of the project?

Accepted Answer

Yes, refer to the Schedule tab on the project website.

Question 15

When is the estimated completion date of the new BHS?

Accepted Answer

Completion of the new school is targeted for completion in 2029 or 2030 pending approval by the Town.  Construction documents will be prepared after Town approval, this will take approximately one year to complete.  Construction is expected to be complete within 3-4 years.  The earliest completion date is Fall 2029.

Question 16

What is an educational plan?

Accepted Answer

An educational plan (ed plan) is a forward-looking document used by a school district to identify the structural and academic strengths, areas needing improvement, and long-term goals. The superintendent of Burlington Public Schools, Dr. Eric Conti, guided the Educational Planning process, with lots of input from the Burlington High School administration, faculty, and staff, along with the many students, parents/caregivers, school committee, and community members who contributed to the district’s strategic and master plans.

Question 17

How can I learn more?

Accepted Answer

The project website is populated with all documentation, reports, videos and other presentations that detail the project.

Question 18

Who is involved? Can we add input from the community?

Accepted Answer

The project team is comprised of the School Building Committee, an Owner’s Project Manager, a Designer, and a Construction Manager.  Given the community nature of a high school building project, many key stakeholders are included in the process of determining a preferred building solution.  These stakeholders include school administration, teachers, parents, students, the broader public and local community leaders as well as Town boards including Ways & Means, Planning Board and the Conservation Commission to name a few.

BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT

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