Proposals Due January 31, 2012

-REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS-

Edward W. Brooke Charter 3 – East Boston

seekstemporary school facilities for 2012-2014

Mission & History:

Edward W. Brooke Charter School 3 – East Boston (“Brooke 3”), a tuition-free, K-8 public charter school, will open in August 2012 with the mission of providing quality college preparatory education to underserved youth in Boston and Chelsea. Named after Senator Edward W. Brooke, the first popularly African American elected to the U.S. Senate and the first and only black senator from Massachusetts, the school is committed to preparing each student for success in college and beyond. For additional details, please visit:

Growth and Facility Needs:

As a result of overwhelming interest and demand for high-quality educational opportunities in Boston (over 3,000 families are currently on our wait list), our strong record of academic achievement, and recent changes in Massachusetts charter school legislation, the Brooke Charter Schools have embarked upon a plan for expansion over the next five years. Specifically, Brooke Charter Schools has outlined a growth plan to open and operate three k-8 public charter schools, including the first school which launched in 2002, Brooke 2 which launched in August 2011, and Brooke 3 to open in August 2012.

While the Brooke Charter Schools is currently negotiating for the purchase and redevelopment of a permanent facility for Brooke 3 (note: Brooke Charter Schools owns its original campus at 190 Cummins Highway, Roslindale, MA), we are searching for a short-term lease solution or “swing space”, for our East Boston facility needs. The Brooke Charter Schools is searching for 20,000-25,000 square feet of classroom and administrative space for use for up to two years in East Boston beginning no later than August 1, 2012. Additional details on space needs and requirements can be found below.

Brooke Charter Schools is currently accepting lease proposals that meet the needs specified below, and will be evaluated and selected according to:

  • Lowest bid
  • Ability to meet general design specifications
  • Occupancy schedule: abilityto occupy no earlier than June 1, 2012 and no later than August 1, 2012
  • Ability to provide space that meets necessary occupancy and inspectional requirements for temporary use by a K2-8 school in Massachusetts (which will include five-year olds in K2)

Lease Specifications:

Location: Within the neighborhood of East Boston – strongly preferred (within the city of Boston – required).

Property Characteristics:

Necessary / Highly Desirable
Overall
Location in Boston (East Boston strongly preferred)
Appropriate zoning for a K2-8 school
Ready for August 1, 2012 school launch – including any necessary zoning, completed inspections, and/or facility updates
Capacity to host up to 300 elementary students: 20,000-25,000 square feet with sufficient bathrooms
20 classrooms (600-650 square feet each)
3 general purpose rooms (300-400 square feet each)
1 large movement room (appr. 1800 square ft)
1 reception area
9 offices – private & semi private
ADA compliant
School bus drop-off/pick-up in proximity to building
Safe drop-off/pick-up for children and families
Option to renew the lease for a second academic year (2013-2014) / Overall
Dedicated parking for faculty and staff (25-30 spots)
Gymnasium space (not required)
Outdoor play space or proximity to accessible park/play area for young children
Year / Brooke 3 Needs / Options
2012-13 / 180 students / Optional renewal for 2013-2014 as determined by December 2012, or lease termination by July 2013.
2013-14 / 300 total students / Lease termination by July 2014.

RFP responses are due February 5, 2012. Proposals should be emailed to or mailed via US Post Service to: Brooke Charter Schools, 190 Cummins Highway, Roslindale, MA 02131,Attention: Brooke 3 Temporary Lease RFP. Proposals will be evaluated based upon 1) ability to meet general design specifications; 2) ability to meet an August 1, 2012 move-in date; 3) ability to meet necessary code and zoning requirements necessary to operate a K2-8 public school in Massachusetts; and 4) lowest bid.

Contact:For additional information, please contact M. Scott Knox, Chief Operating Officer, Brooke Charter Schools at Email: / Telephone: 617-325-7977, ext. 204

Brooke Charter Schools, RFP – Brooke 3 Temporary Lease