Needham is moving forward with its analysis of options for the Pollard Middle School Building Project. Progress updates will be shared on the new NPS Pollard Project website, which has information about current building conditions, project team leaders, updates from meetings, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Page, and a link to sign up for e-mail updates.
At the Permanent Public Building Committee (PPBC) Meeting on August 4, 2025, HMFH Architects presented an update of the preliminary analysis they have conducted. Detailed presentation slides can be found on the Pollard Project website. At this stage of the analysis, HMFH is looking at multiple options for Pollard to evaluate how well they meet community goals. Options include a base repair of the current building, addition/renovation to the existing building, a new build on the Pollard site, and a new build at DeFazio Field (the only other site in Needham that is available for a build of this size). They are also evaluating options for Pollard as a school containing grades 6-8, freeing up High Rock for other future uses (swing space during Mitchell School construction, a 6th elementary school, etc) or keeping Pollard as a grade 7-8 school.
An addition/renovation to the current Pollard structure would likely take the longest time to complete due to the need to phase building construction to accommodate current students in the building.
Some preliminary schematics of what these options might look like:
- Addition/Renovation to Current Pollard Structure
2. New Build on the Pollard Site on the fields behind the current structure
3. New Build on the DeFazio Site
HMFH also did some preliminary analysis of how well each option meets the project goals, and compared a grade 6-8 school vs a grade 7-8 school in each scenario.
PPBC engaged in a robust discussion with the HMFH team and made suggestions for additions/updates to these preliminary materials. Next steps will include further analysis and more detailed costing of all options.
There will be many opportunities for the community to get involved in the planning process. Please check out the new project website and share your thoughts at a future community meeting.
Upcoming events:
August 21, 2025 at 6:30pm: Community Zoom “What is our Vision and Q&A”
September 10, 2025 at 6:30pm: Community Meeting in person at Pollard or on Zoom “What We’re Hearing”
October 4, 2025 from 9-10:30am: In person at Pollard Open House & Tours
November 6 at 6:30pm: Community Meeting in person at Pollard or on Zoom “Sharing Preliminary Plans and Gathering Additional Feedback”
November 15, 2025 from 9-10:30am: In person at Pollard Open House & Tours