Pittsfield Invited to 'Senior Study' with MSBA
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Public Schools has been invited to engage in a study with the Massachusetts School Building Authority as it requests funds to repair Pittsfield High.
Superintendent Latifah Phillips delivered the news to the School Building Needs Commission last week. Pittsfield has been invited to engage in a senior study where enrollment, program, and facility issues are reviewed.
While this is a good sign, it doesn't mean that PPS's proposal was accepted.
"We're still not invited into the grant program, but this is still a positive step," Phillips said.
The city is pursuing a statement of interest to the MSBA, a quasi-independent government agency, to cover up to 80 percent of the cost for renovations.
In July, the School Committee received a report card on the 1931 building's physical condition, which was described as "poor" and in need of restoration to its original character.
The senior study team will have consultants and senior architects with extensive knowledge of building systems and educational programs, Phillips said. They will visit PHS and Taconic for a few hours at the end of September.
A summation of the 284,301-square-foot building at 300 East St. describes it as being "in poor condition overall," but the condition of the finishes and overall quality of the school is said to reflect the age at which it was constructed.
"The site has issues with its asphalt paving, causing accessibility and safety concerns. The fields are in good condition. The sidewalks around the building appear to be in poor condition, with accessibility updates necessary. ADA ramps are in poor condition," it reads.
"The building exterior is in poor condition overall. The windows appear to be in good condition. The doors are in poor condition. The brick is in poor condition. The roofs are at the end of their life expectancy and should be investigated further to determine when replacement would be warranted."
Air and water quality testing will be done at the school to ensure it is fit for learning in the meantime.
The Pittsfield Public Schools has submitted statements of interest for five schools since 2007, and only two have been accepted: Taconic High School in 2009 and the proposed Crosby/Conte elementary build in 2024.
The district is also seeking up to 80 percent reimbursement from the MSBA for a combined and consolidated school on West Street. It will study three enrollment options: just Crosby with 220 students, Crosby and Conte with 445 students, and Crosby, Conte, and Stearns.
Submissions were received from seven design firms. Preliminary cost estimates, a School Committee vote to select the enrollment option, and the SBNC's vote to approve the preliminary design program are planned for January.
Tags: MSBA, PHS,
