Saugus schooled by state authority

SAUGUS – Saugus hasn?t had a new school since the Veterans Memorial School was torn down and rebuilt on 39 Hurd Ave. decades ago. But according to town officials, a new Saugus High School is on its way.The Massachusetts School Building Administration (MSBA) has particular guidelines in place before a new school can be built. First, the town and school district must form a building committee and request that the Board of Selectmen call a special town meeting asking residents to fund a feasibility study.According to the MSBA website, once the initial compliance certification has been signed by the superintendent, prerequisites can take as long as four months.The process begins with a statement of interest by the school district. The second phase involves conducting a facilities and maintenance assessment conducted by the MSBA to determine the condition of the existing building. The third phase involves selection of an owner?s project manager (OPM) and a request for services (RFS), such as designs. Finally, the fifth phase involves engaging a final project designer and construction agent.Superintendent of Schools Michael Tempesta said he kicked off the first meeting between him and town officials Wednesday regarding the timeline. That means Saugus is officially in the eligibility phase.?We?ll enter into this feasibility study after 270 days, but our first piece is to get together and estimate appropriation for the feasibility study,” Tempesta said. “That?s our goal. Two hundred and seventy days is our deadline, which is October, but we?re trying to get everything done as quickly and expediently as we can.”Tempesta said acting town manager Robert Palleschi is in the process of putting together a building committee.Tempesta said he reached out to other school superintendents at comparable high schools, such as Holbrook, to see where they stand in the process.He and Town Hall staff first applied to the competitive process Wednesday, Jan. 14 in Boston. They submitted their statement of interest, and because it was so thoroughly written, the MSBA approved it, Tempesta said. He said there were 109 applications, with only 15 meeting the MSBA?s approval.?As far as the MSBA, we?re really impressed with the people and processes,” Tempesta said. “They?re wonderful to work with. They were clear and professional during our conference call Wednesday. We were all impressed with that.”He said he?s excited for 21st-century learning, as the new building will offer state-of-the-art science labs, integration learning and overall increased learning opportunities, for which there is no comparison.Tempesta served as principal in Ashland, where they reopened a new high school in 2006.Fred Varone, building commissioner/inspector of buildings and zoning officer, said his portion in the deal only takes a few weeks.?Once the town has accepted the proposal, the general contractor sends three sets of plans to the Fire Department,” Varone said. “Once the electrical, plumbing, gas and building inspector approves them, then a foundation permit can be issued.”Varone said he is involved with zoning and permitting.?A new high school would be wonderful,” Varone said. “I remember when Saugus built the middle school 50 years ago, when I lived across the street. It absolutely needs to be done. The present school isn?t upgraded nor practical. It has issues with windows and things of that nature.”