MSBA Approves $23M for Upgrades to the Conte Middle School in North Adams
MSBA Board approved the schematic design
State Treasurer Steven Grossman, Chairman of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and Jack McCarthy, MSBA Executive Director, today announced that the MSBA Board voted to approve the schematic design for additions and renovations at the Silvio O. Conte Middle School in North Adams. One of the next steps is for the District and the MSBA to enter into a Project Funding Agreement, which will detail the project’s scope and budget and set forth the terms and conditions under which the District will receive its grant from the MSBA. The District is eligible to receive reimbursement from the MSBA for up to 80% of eligible expenses, with a Maximum Total Facilities Grant for the project of $23,180,316.
“The plans for the addition and renovation at the Conte Middle School are a direct result of a collaborative partnership forged by North Adams officials and the MSBA,” said Treasurer Grossman. “We look forward to helping deliver an efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective project that will meet the community’s educational demands and save local and state taxpayer resources.”
The project will consist of renovations to 77,300 square-feet of the existing school, and 2,700 square-feet of new construction. Renovations will address deficiencies in roof, windows and building envelope, as well as electrical and mechanical systems. Additional parking space and outdoor play areas will also be constructed. Conte Middle School was built in 1917 and serves 300 students from Kindergarten through grade 7.
“The addition and renovation at Conte Middle School will remedy building deficiencies to create improved learning environments,” stated Executive Director McCarthy. “This project will enhance students’ ability to excel in the classroom.”
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 Authority has made over $9 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects. These timely payments have saved municipalities over $2.9 billion in avoided local interest costs and have provided much needed cash flow to communities.
