The School Department headquarters must move to allow construction of a new school.
WESTFIELD – City officials are looking to lease 10,000 square feet of office space as temporary headquarters for the School Department.
The request for proposals is a first seeking office space for Westfield, City Purchaser Tammy B. Tefft said this week.
The lease will be temporary, three years with two optional one-year extensions, to provide offices for the School Department during construction of a new elementary school and locating future permanent headquarters for school officials.
Tefft said this week proposals must be submitted to her City Hall office by April 8.
Proposals must provide good access to the public and meet Americans with Disability Act compliance. Proposals must also include adequate parking for up to 50 spaces.
The lease arrangement will be effective on or about July 1.
“That is the best time for moving, while the school system in on summer vacation,” said Tefft.
City officials have identified the present School Department location on Ashley Street at the site for a new elementary school currently in the planning stages.
The state’s School Building Administration is working with city and school officials to expedite construction with hopes of opening the new school within the next three years.
The estimated $40 million school will allow the School Department to close and consolidate classes at three schools now in use, Abner Gibbs, Fort Meadow and Franklin Avenue. Westfield is in line for 64 percent state reimbursement for the new facility.
The School Building Committee has identified Margo Jones Architect of Greenfield as the architect for the project. The committee has also selected Skanska USA of Boston to serve as its project manager consultant.