BOSTON—State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and MSBA Executive Director/Deputy CEO Mary Pichetti announced today that the MSBA Board of Directors voted to move the Oakdale Elementary School, located in the Town of Dedham, into the Schematic Design phase. In the Schematic Design phase, the MSBA and the District will look at possible options to replace the existing Oakdale Elementary School and Greenlodge Elementary School with a new facility on the existing Oakdale Elementary School site.
“Thanks to our collaborative work with local officials, we are working to build a 21st century educational facility that will provide Dedham students with a top-notch learning environment,” said Treasurer Goldberg.
The proposed project would replace the existing Oakdale Elementary School and Greenlodge Elementary School with a new facility serving students in grades 1-5 on the existing Oakdale Elementary School site. The District had reported in their Statement of Interest, numerous deficiencies and structural integrity issues including mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems as well as problems with the building envelope, windows, roof and accessibility. In addition to the physical plant issues, the District reported that the existing facility does not support the delivery of its educational program.
“The new Oakdale Elementary School will mean a better learning and teaching location for students and teachers,” stated Executive Director/Deputy CEO Mary Pichetti.
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 2004 inception, the Authority has made over 1,750 site visits to more than 250 school districts as part of its due diligence process and has made over $16.7 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.
