Keefe Tech Building Project

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is Keefe Tech exploring a building project?
Keefe Tech opened in 1972. While the building has served generations of students well, many building systems are aging, maintenance costs continue to rise and today's career and technical education programs require learning environments that support modern teaching, technology and workforce training. This planning process allows the district to evaluate the best long-term solution for students and taxpayers.

Has a new school been approved?
No. This is a years long process and the district is early in the planning phase. No decisions have been made regarding a final project, design or cost.

What is the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA)?
The MSBA partners with school districts across Massachusetts to help plan and fund eligible school building projects. Participating in the MSBA process provides access to state funding that can significantly offset eligible project costs for member communities.

Does this mean Keefe Tech is building a new school?
Not necessarily. The purpose of this phase is to study all viable options. Potential solutions may include renovation, addition, new construction or a combination of approaches. No preferred solution has been selected.

How will the community be involved?
Community engagement is a key part of the process. Students, families, staff, municipal leaders and community members will have opportunities to learn about the project, ask questions and provide feedback throughout every phase of this project. 

How can I stay informed?
This webpage will serve as the project's central information hub. Throughout the process, you'll find:

• Project updates
• Timeline and milestones
• Meeting presentations
• Frequently asked questions
• Community engagement opportunities
• Important project documents

Project Schedule

Please see below for a breakdown of Keefe Tech’s key milestones in this process.  More modules will be added as the project continues.

Massachusetts Schools Building Authority (MSBA) Process
Module 1  |  Eligibility Period

Once the MSBA Board of Directors votes to invite a District into the Eligibility Period, a 270-day period is initiated for the District to complete certain preliminary requirements that include: 1) a certification of the District’s understanding of the grant program rules by executing an Initial Compliance Certification; 2) forming a School Building Committee and submitting the membership to the MSBA for acceptance; 3) a summary of the District’s existing maintenance practices; 4) certification of a design enrollment for the proposed project agreed upon with the MSBA (may not be applicable for Repair Assessments depending on the proposed scope of work); 5) confirmation of community authorization and funding to proceed (see MSBA Vote Requirements); and, 6) execution of the MSBA’s standard Feasibility Study Agreement, which establishes a process for the District to be reimbursed for eligible expenses.

Module 2  |  Forming the Project Team

Once all of the Pre-Requisites have been completed to the satisfaction of the MSBA, the District procures the team of professionals utilizing MSBA specific procurement processes and standard Request for Services (“RFS”) templates and Contracts to work with the District as the proposed project advances through the MSBA’s grant process.

Module 3  |  Feasibility Study

Upon successful conclusion of procurement of Owner’s Project Management and Designer services in accordance with the procedures outlined under Module 2 – Forming the Project Team, the District and its team collaborate with the MSBA to document their educational program, generate an initial space summary, document existing conditions, establish design parameters, develop and evaluate alternatives, and recommend the most cost effective and educationally appropriate preferred solution to the MSBA Board of Directors for their consideration. During this phase, the Owner’s Project Manager will submit, on behalf of the District and its Designer, a Preliminary Design Program and a Preferred Schematic Report. Approval by the MSBA Board of Directors is required for all projects to proceed into schematic design. Please refer to Module 4 – Schematic Design for additional information.

Module 4  |  Schematic Design

The District and its team develop a final design program and robust schematic design of sufficient detail to establish the scope, budget and schedule for the Proposed Project.

Module 5  |  Funding the Project

Based upon the completed Feasibility Study, the District and MSBA staff establish and document the project scope, budget, schedule, and MSBA financial participation to forward to the MSBA Board of Directors for their approval. Approval by the MSBA Board of Directors establishes the MSBA’s participation in the proposed project. Once the District secures community authorization and financial support, the MSBA and the District enter into a Project Funding Agreement, which defines the scope, budget and schedule for the Proposed Project.

Module 6  |  Detailed Design

The District and its team advance the design, generate construction documentation, procure bids and award a construction contract in accordance with the agreed upon project scope, budget and schedule as documented in the Project Funding Agreement, and the requirements contained in the MSBA’s standard contracts for Owner’s Project Management and Designer Services. The MSBA continues to monitor the project to ensure it remains on track and meets the expectation of both the District and the MSBA as defined in the Project Funding Agreement.

Module 7  |  Construction

The MSBA continues to monitor progress of the project to confirm that it remains on track and meets the expectation of both the District and the MSBA as defined in the Project Funding Agreement.

Module 8  |  Completing the Project

The MSBA performs final audit to determine final total grant amounts and make final payment.

Read on to learn more about the key team members for the Keefe Tech Building Project.

School Building Committee (SBC)
The Keefe Tech School Building Committee (SBC) consists of several district and school employees/officials and members of the communities. The SBC monitors the MSBA application process and advises the school district during project construction.

Massachusetts Schools Building Authority (MSBA)
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is a quasi-independent government authority created to reform the process of funding capital improvement projects in the Commonwealth’s public schools. The MSBA strives to work with local communities to create affordable, sustainable, and energy efficient schools across Massachusetts.

Massachusetts School Building Authority