Schematic Design Phase Documents

Since January 2026,  the team has been developing a final design program and robust schematic design of sufficient detail to establish the scope, budget and schedule for the proposed project.

• Project Scope and Budget Agreement — Aug 2026

• Reconciled Schematic Design Report with comments (PDF) — Aug 2026

• Space Comparison: Existing / Proposed / MSBA Guidelines — Aug 2026

• Construction Stages & Logistics — Aug 2026

• Project Master Schedule and Permitting Timeline (2025-2034) — Aug 2026 

• Schematic Design Report contents (or download PDF) — June 2026

Exterior, Interior & Site Layout Plans

• • • Exterior & Interior Renderings

    • Proposed School Site Development & Layout Plan - July 2026

    • Student, Staff, and Family Access During and After Construction– August 2026 (New)
      
      

Total Project Cost Estimate

• • • Total Project Cost (MSBA Updated) - Aug 2026

    • Schematic Design Construction Cost Estimate Reconciliation

    • Sources of Other Funding

    • MSBA Grant Funding - Aug 2026 - NEW
      
      

MSBA Comments, Reviews & Approvals

• • • MSBA Schematic Design Review Comments & District Response - Aug 2026 

    • MSBA Schematic Design Space Summary Review & District Response - July 2026

    • MSBA Gymnasium & Auditorium Space Policy Guidelines 

Environmental, Traffic & Site Studies

• • • Tree Survey

    • Traffic Impact Analysis

    • Preliminary Train Noise & Ground Vibration Study - March 2026 (New)

    • Pollard Middle School Logistics Plan — May 2026
      
      

Geothermal-Specific Documents

• • • VIDEO How it Works: Ground Source (Geothermal) Heat Pumps (GSHP)

    • Presentation on How Geothermal Works

    • Thermal System Option Comparison

    • Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) Resources

    • GSHPs in Schools: Guide to Maximizing Energy Tax Credits

    • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
      
      

• Future Potential Grants

• Select Board Article - Amend Zoning By-Law

• Construction Manager At Risk Selection Report

Feasibility Study Phase Documents

From May to December 2025, feasibility, location, and grade configuration were studied. Seven design options were narrowed to one preferred option. 

• Preferred Schematic Report contents (or download .pdf)

• New Construction Options

• Letter to Town Meeting Members

• Preliminary Design Program

  • • Section 3.1.1.4 - Capital Budget Statement

• Pollard Educational Program Requirements - with MSBA Revisions

Eligibility Phase Documents

Needham submitted its Statement of Interest for Pollard Middle School to the MSBA's Core Program in April 2023, and the MSBA invited the District into the Eligibility Period in December 2023.

• Presentation: Pollard Update — May 2025

• Presentation: MSBA Statement of Interest Process

School Master Plan — 2020-2023

The School Master Plan was first developed and presented in 2020, and was updated in both 2022 and 2023. This study provides the foundation for the Pollard Middle School Project.

2020 School Master Plan

• Report

• Presentation — May 2020 (7 options)

• Presentation — September 2020 (3 options)

2022 Master Plan Extension Study 

• Report

• Presentation — March 2022

• Questionnaire Results

2023 Master Plan Extension Update

• Report

• Presentation — August 2023 

High Rock Renovation — 2006

In the fall of 2006, the School Committee discussed options for the use of High Rock as an interim solution to space issues at Pollard.  

• Discussion of options for High Rock School for middle school students (9/20/06)

• Public Hearing for High Rock as satellite middle school space (10/3/06)

• Recommendation for use of High Rock as interim middle school space (10/7/06)