MSBA Board Approves up to $7.5M for Five Worcester School Projects

Treasurer Steven Grossman, Chairman of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), and MSBA Executive Director Jack McCarthy announced today that the Authority’s Board of Directors voted to approve funding for upgrades at five Worcester schools as part of the MSBA’s Accelerated Repair Program. One of the next steps is for Worcester and the MSBA to enter into Project Funding Agreements, which will determine the terms under which the City will receive its MSBA grants for each of the schools.

“The Accelerated Repair program allows us to partner with school districts on much-needed repairs that can greatly extend a school’s lifespan,” said Grossman.  “Besides making the learning environment more comfortable for our schoolchildren, these repairs also make our schools more energy efficient and generate substantial cost savings.  It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

The main goals of the Accelerated Repair Program are to improve learning environments for children and teachers, reduce energy use and generate cost savings for districts.  The program provides grants to repair or replace roofs, windows and boilers in schools that are otherwise structurally sound.  Below is the list of the schools in Worcester for which PFAs were approved at today’s Board meeting:

School Maximum Total Facilities Grant
Chandler Magnet School $3,480,295
Dr. James Caradonio
New Citizens Center School
$1,056,457
Jacob Hiatt Magnet School $328,134
Lake View School $1,119,530
May Street School $1,575,411

“The MSBA continues to stand alongside the people of Worcester in the ongoing work of upgrading their public schools,” Executive Director McCarthy said. “With today’s vote, the MSBA is prepared to reimburse up to $7.5 million towards 5 projects which will enhance student learning.”

The MSBA partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally-appropriate, flexible, sustainable and cost-effective public school facilities. Since its inception, the MSBA has made $9.5 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects. These payments have saved municipalities over $2.9 billion in avoided local interest costs and have provided much needed cash flow to communities.