The Dedham Select Board and School Committee have voted to move forward with a Facilities Master Plan, previously discussed at their joint meeting on August 14, 2025. The plan will examine all town-owned buildings, including schools, municipal offices, public safety facilities, and libraries. While it won't review fields or parks, the study will assess structural conditions, space usage, accessibility, energy efficiency, and long-term maintenance needs. The plan will provide recommendations for future use and maintenance that align with community needs and are financially feasible for the Town.

At the September 11, 2025 Select Board meeting, and the September 30 special School Committee meeting, approval was secured for the formation of the Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee and the posting of the Facilities Master Plan Request for Proposals (RFP). Additionally, the School Committee discussed and voted to move forward with an Educational Model review process that will be conducted in close conjunction with the Facilities Master Plan. This comprehensive,  joint effort comes in response to community feedback asking for a  coordinated approach to evaluating and planning for all municipal and school facilities across Dedham and the final plans will be the first of its kind in this community. The funding for the Facilities Master Plan was approved by Town Meeting in May 2025 as a Capital Expenditure under Article 4 (Townwide Facilities Master Plan.)

The Facilities Master Plan RFP and the Education Model Review RFP will both be issued on Monday, October 6. Proposal submissions will be accepted until November 5 for the Educational Model Review RFP and until November 6 for the Facilities Master Plan RFP.

Community members can review the posted RFPs at www.dedham-ma.gov/Bids. (Reminder: The RFPs will be available starting Monday, October 6.)

Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee Development

The establishment of a Steering Committee, designed to work closely with the chosen consultant to facilitate a series of public engagement events and serve as liaisons between residents and Town and School leadership, is a key component of this initiative. The Steering Committee will work hand-in-hand with Town and School staff to guarantee that local priorities and community sentiment are woven into every aspect of our future facilities plans. The Steering Committee will be made up of representatives from both Town and School departments, along with representatives from various Town boards and committees, and at-large members of the community.

Community members interested in applying for one of the two open Community at Large seats can apply by email the following staff:

• One at-large community member appointed by the Select Board - Please send a letter of interest to Assistant Town Manager Nancy Baker at nbaker@dedhamma.gov or by mail to Office of the Town Manager, 450 Washington Street, Suite 322, Dedham, MA02026
• One at-large community member appointed by the School Committee - Please send a letter of interest to the School Committee at schoolcommittee@dedham.k12.ma.us or by mail to Dedham Public Schools, Attn: School Committee, 100 Whiting Avenue, Dedham, MA 02026

Applications must be received by the close of business on Friday, October 17, 2025. To review the complete vacancy posting for the Steering Committee and to learn more about its role, please visit www.dedham-ma.gov/volunteer.

How to Stay Informed On This Initiative: Resources for You

We are committed to keeping residents informed and engaged throughout this process. More details and opportunities for input will be shared as the discussion and project develop.

• Meeting Recordings available online at Dedhamtv.com:
  • September 11 Select Board Meeting
  •  September 30 School Committee Meeting
• Town website for project updates: www.dedham-ma.gov/news
• Subscribe for Updates: www.dedham-ma.gov/subscribe; Select “Facilities Master Plan” from list of News Topics
• Questions or Comments: Contact your Select Board and School Committee members at:
  • SelectBoard@dedhamma.gov
  •  schoolcommittee@dedham.k12.ma.us

Additional communications channels and feedback formats will be added as the FMP process progresses.