State Treasurer Steven Grossman, Chairman of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and Jack McCarthy, MSBA Executive Director, announced today that the MSBA Board of Directors has voted to move the J. Henry Higgins Middle School in Peabody into the Schematic Design Phase. The District will continue to work in collaboration with the MSBA to produce detailed renderings of the potential new school. Upon completion and approval of the schematic design by the MSBA Board, the District and the Authority will collaborate to determine the scope and budget of the proposed project.
“Our commitment to working with Peabody officials to determine the best solution for the Higgins Middle School is ironclad, and the advancement to schematic design represents another solid step forward,” Treasurer Grossman said. “I toured the Higgins School this past spring, and I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of its teachers, administrators, and students. This school is a top priority for the MSBA, and it will get built.”
The proposed project would replace the existing facility, which was built in 1964, with a new building on the same site. The existing school requires replacement of windows, roof, heating, electrical and ventilation systems and has undersized classrooms that affect delivery of the District’s educational program
“Production and approval of a schematic design will give us a better idea of the final budget for the potential project in Peabody,” stated Executive Director McCarthy.
“I am thankful to Treasurer Grossman, Executive Director McCarthy and the MSBA Board for their thoughtful review of the Higgins. The vote for a new middle school gives Peabody children the most optimum situation for learning. I congratulate Mayor Bettencourt and his team for presenting a strong case for this new school that will shape Peabody’s future,” said Senator Fred Berry.
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 $8.9 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.
