FAQ – Project Specific

The Neary Building Committee carefully researched all options and ultimately voted for the new construction of a School that will contain grades two through five as its preferred option.

From the beginning of the project, it has been a priority to ensure sustainability. A Sustainability Subcommittee was formed to consider all the options. The full Neary Building Committee has voted to support a LEED Certification.

The updated Green Building Rating System by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) as of June 2023 mandates that all MSBA projects register and achieve at least Silver certification under LEED BD+C Schools. Projects must meet specific criteria for indoor air quality, and material health, and comply with the MA Stretch Energy Code. In addition, districts can qualify for extra reimbursement by exceeding energy efficiency standards, including the Massachusetts Opt-in Specialized Energy Code for 3% and achieving points in indoor air quality for up to 1%.

The LEED BD+C Schools Rating System is based on LEED v4, with points from LEED v4.1 integrated as necessary. To achieve Silver certification, a project must earn at least 50 points out of 110, with LEED addressing areas like sustainable sites, energy, water efficiency, and indoor environmental quality.

The Neary Elementary School project in Southborough, a Stretch Code community, targets compliance with the MA Opt-in Specialized Energy Code for additional reimbursement. The project aims for net-zero energy, exploring all-electric building designs with renewable energy offsets. Various mechanical system options have been evaluated, with ground-water heat pump systems ranked highest for achieving energy efficiency targets.

Sustainability goals such as wellness, resilience, and environmental impact are also prioritized. The building will be designed to handle high winds and avoid flood-prone areas. Further assessments of energy performance and design details will be conducted during the Schematic Design phase.

Yes, the current Neary building will be torn down, and the new construction will be built approximately in the same location.

The project scope includes re-paving and grading the parking lot and ensuring it meets the requirements for the expected occupancy of the school and adjacent facilities.

Yes, a new playground will be incorporated into the project design.

Based on current student enrollment, Neary could accommodate three grades in its existing footprint if the District Administrative offices were not located there. Adding a fourth grade in this building would require a structural addition if we were using the existing footprint.

During construction (Summer 2026 – August 2028), Woodward will house grades 3, 4, and 5, and Finn will house PreK, 1, and 2. Modulars will be added to accommodate the additional enrollment.

The Public Schools of Southborough has a six-year facilities maintenance. This plan is part of the evaluation criteria from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), as well, when they evaluate projects seeking funding.

Our current timeline is as follows. This is subject to change and contingent on a number of steps throughout the process.

Yes, the playground will need to be updated to meet the developmental needs of PreK-1 students.