On November 3, Needham voters approved a debt exclusion to fund the Pollard project. The preliminary vote tally was 10,353 votes (66.8% ) in favor and 5,143 (33.2%) opposed. 

This followed the Special Town Meeting vote on October 19, which passed 207 (91%) to 21 (9%). The total project amount of $322,655,945 was appropriated for construction of the new school, with $2.75 million having been previously appropriated for the feasibility study.  The MSBA has approved up to $80.6 million in reimbursement, for a net cost to the Town of $244.8 million. 

The project now moves into Detailed Design, also called Design Development. This phase builds directly on the work completed during Schematic Design, when the project’s overall scope, layout, and budget were established. The design team takes the approved concept and develops it further by refining specific materials, finishes, and building systems, while the drawings and specifications become more detailed and coordinated. 

At the end of the phase, an updated cost estimate is prepared to confirm the project remains on budget, with adjustments made if necessary. The Design Development serves as the foundation for the Construction Documents that follow.