Feasibility FAQ

"Why does Norfolk need to explore options for creating additional space for its elementary schools?"

Norfolk Public Schools have faced a significant shortage of educational space for several years. Enrollment at the H. Olive Day School has grown by approximately 100 students (25%) over the past decade. To accommodate current enrollment, the district has converted the technology lab, teachers' prep room, server room, and library offices into standard classrooms. For several years, the music room was also repurposed as a classroom, requiring the music teacher to travel between spaces to deliver instruction. These spatial compromises directly impact curricular and instructional programs. Meanwhile, the Freeman-Kennedy School currently exceeds its intended design capacity by over 40 students. Multiple demographic studies (NESDEC 2019 & 2021; Demographic Analytic Advisors 2023) project that enrollment growth will continue for the foreseeable future.

"Could the district increase class sizes and hire additional paraprofessional staff members to support instruction?"

No. While paraprofessionals are valuable members of the school team, they are not licensed educators qualified to analyze assessment data, design lessons, or plan targeted interventions; they can only implement instruction developed by certified teachers. Increasing class sizes dilutes the direct, individualized instruction students receive from their primary teachers - a factor particularly critical in the elementary grades where foundational academic skills are established.

Furthermore, modern instruction relies heavily on small-group instruction, full inclusion, and tailored interventions grounded in research on learning and cognition - frameworks that become increasingly difficult to execute effectively in larger classes. Beyond academics, larger class sizes can negatively affect student mental health by increasing noise, movement and distractions and weakening teacher-student relationships that are essential for emotional regulation, a sense of school belonging, and overall well-being. Finally, hiring support staff is not a reliable alternative, as candidate shortages have made recruiting qualified support personnel extremely difficult.

"How do class sizes in Norfolk compare with other local communities?"

Current class sizes in Norfolk are on the higher end of average for the region.  All class sizes are within the maximum limits of the current School Committee policy, but no class sizes meet the designated School Committee targets.  To view community comparison data, click here .

"What are the advantages of working with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA)
on a school building project?"

Partnering with the MSBA provides substantial state funding by reimbursing a significant portion of eligible project costs, directly reducing the financial burden on local taxpayers. Beyond financial support, the MSBA provides a structured, standardized process that guides districts through every phase—from initial feasibility studies through final construction—reducing overall project risk and preventing costly delays. Districts also benefit from expert technical oversight and sustainable design guidelines, ensuring that the completed facility is cost-effective, built to last, and fully equipped to meet required educational standards.

"What would the proposed feasibility study include?"
The MSBA feasibility and schematic design program guides a school construction proposal from initial concept to a fully budgeted, voter-ready design. During the feasibility phase, the district and the MSBA collaboratively evaluate potential solutions—ranging from basic code repairs to major renovations or complete replacement—to identify the most cost-effective and educationally sound option.
The process begins with a Preliminary Design Program (PDP), which documents existing building conditions, site constraints, and educational goals while outlining broad design alternatives. It concludes with a Preferred Schematic Report (PSR), which uses comprehensive cost, site, and educational evaluation matrices to select and justify a single preferred option for formal MSBA Board approval.

"How would this feasibility study be different from previous studies the town has completed?"
While the 2023 feasibility study by Ai3 Architects focused specifically on a building expansion at the Freeman-Kennedy School, an MSBA feasibility study takes a broader, more expansive approach. Collaborative options explored will range from basic repairs and renovations to new construction, full additions, and potential grade reconfigurations. The original 2023 expansion concept will likely be re-evaluated as one of many possibilities.

The new study will also expand technical scope by completing essential environmental testing and site explorations omitted from the previous scope of work. However, relevant data and testing from the 2023 Ai3 report will be reused wherever possible to save the town money. Ultimately, the Building Committee will weigh the comparative cost-benefit data against educational goals to select a single Preferred Solution to advance to full schematic design.