The School Facilities Task Force last night fully embraced exploring a state program that could save the town money on designing and building a new high school.
The Massachusetts School Building Authority has asked the town to participate in its Model Schools program in which the town could build a previously designed and constructed school rather than design one from scratch.
Task force members said last night the idea is worthy of further discussion.
Task force Chairman Tom McQuaid estimates the town could save 15 to 20 percent under the program.
In a letter to selectmen two weeks ago, authority Executive Director Katherine Craven said her staff had examined a model high school that it believes could be built in Norwood for less than $75 million. The authority is also offering bonus reimbursement points that Craven said would mean the local share of the cost would be roughly $31.5 million, while the state would pay $43.5 million.
"Those are not insignificant numbers," said McQuaid. "And we're all cost conscious."
But there are potential pitfalls and questions that need to be answered.
General Manager John Carroll said he has concerns about how the town or building authority could acquire plans to previously designed schools, and whether it might make more sense to see if the town's architect, Symmes, Maini & McKee Associates, has a previously designed blueprint that could fit Norwood's needs.
Task force members also said they are frustrated that designs are on hold until the town decides to join the Model Schools program.
"Until we find out what's going on, this is a major delay," said Ted Callahan, who is also a member of the Permanent Building Construction Committee.
Interim Superintendent John Moretti said he understands the frustration and lack of a clearly defined path, but said it stems from the fact that Norwood is the first new school project for the building authority.
"I think we have to stay the course and do what we have to do right now," said Moretti.
Project Manager Tim Bonfatti said he hopes to hear from the authority this week and get some decisions on which approach will be implemented.
Brian Falla can be reached at 781-433-8339 or bfalla@cnc.com.
