Amethyst Brook Elementary School Building Project Update

The Elementary School Building Committee (ESBC) held its monthly meeting on February 13, 2026. The meeting was recorded.

Construction Update
The Dinisco design team reported that interior work is progressing, with millwork, plumbing fixtures, tile, and ceilings installed. The foundations for the solar canopies are about half done, and the transformer has been installed and is ready to be connected to provide permanent power to the building. The ground-source heat pump system has been connected to the wells but is not yet ready to begin heating. Building envelope testing was conducted, which demonstrated no air leakage but identified some areas with heat transfer. Additional foam insulation was used to correct these deficiencies, and repeat testing was satisfactory.  

Procurement Updates 
One bid was received on January 30, 2026, for the playground surfacing from Omasta Landscaping of Hadley, MA. Special Projects Manager Bob Peirent reported that the Texas firm with whom he had been in contact (Cork n More) was unable to submit its bid by the deadline due to weather-related challenges and therefore could not be considered. Peirent said Cork N More agreed to have a relationship with Omasta Landscaping to assist in the installation of Corkeen, but that Omasta Landscaping would hold the contract and warranty and is completely aware of the town’s requirements. The contract agreed to was $458,000, which Peirent said was probably a little higher than if the town were working directly with Cork N More, but he felt was worth it to have a local contractor.

Peirent also reported that he and Town Procurement Officer Simone Cristofori were developing contracts with 14 separate firms that will provide furnishings and equipment for the building. Kesenyia Slavsky, Owner’s Project Manager from Ansr Advisory, noted that the bids for moving services were almost ready to go out to bid. She explained that the move is complex because it involves not only relocating items from Wildwood Elementary and Fort River Elementary to the new Amethyst Brook Elementary School, but also moving Amherst 6th grade from three different elementary buildings to the middle school.

Invoices
Invoices totaling a little less than $2.9 million were approved unanimously with the approximate breakdown as follows: 

Ansr (OPM) $76K

Dinisco (Designer) $65K

CTA (General Contractor) $2.7M

Allied Testing $8,320

Salas O’Brien $3,420 Air leakage and infrared testing

Future Agenda Item Requests
Bruce Colham requested that the committee spend some time at an upcoming meeting getting an update on how the building will meet the requirements of the town’s net-zero bylaw. Angelica Bernal suggested it would also be a good time to discuss the use of fencing on the site, including safety considerations and the adjacent river and roadway. Deb Leonard pointed out that state rules on student restraints and seclusions have recently been revised, and she wanted the committee to review whether these would impact the new school.

The next tour of the building for ESBC members is scheduled for February 24 2026 and the committee will meet again next month.