General Manager John Carroll told the High School Working Group yesterday he hopes to have a final project scope and budget agreement on the proposed new high school in front of selectmen by next Tuesday.
Carroll said town officials continue to meet with the Massachusetts School Building Authority to go over the final details of the agreement that will include the estimated costs of the project and how much of the burden will be borne by the town and how much by the state.
"We are very, very close to an agreement," said Carroll. "I can't get into specifics, but the numbers look very favorable to Norwood."
Carroll said he expects selectmen will take one week to study the document before taking a final vote on whether to accept the deal on Jan. 20. The building authority's board of directors is expected to vote on the agreement Jan. 28.
If all sides agree to the deal, the town will be able to maintain its current project timeline, which calls for a special Town Meeting in mid-March to approve money for the project and a vote on a debt-exclusion tax override in April.
Construction is slated to begin this spring and officials hope the new building will be complete in time for the 2011 school year, after which crews will demolish the existing high school.
Meanwhile, the town and architects Ai3 are working out some final details of the proposed new school, which is slated for land behind the existing facility on Nichols Street.
The inner school courtyard is one issue the working group addressed.
The courtyard design initially called for features including small river stones. Principal George Usevich said he would prefer stone pavers to eliminate any possibility of students using the rocks as projectiles.
Architect Scott Dunlap said he could make the change, but it will be more costly to install pavers or concrete.
"Keep in mind the state is going to give you an overall budget, and this would increase your costs," said Dunlap.
Daily News staff writer Brian Falla can be reached at 781-433-8339 or bfalla@cnc.com
