MSBA Board Votes Belmont High School into Schematic Design

BOSTON - State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts School Building Authority ("MSBA"), and MSBA Executive Director/Deputy CEO John K. McCarthy announced today that the MSBA Board of Directors voted to move Belmont High School, located in the Town of Belmont, into the Schematic Design phase. In the Schematic Design phase, the MSBA and the District will look at possible addition/renovation options at the school. The next step is for the MSBA to work in collaboration with the District to produce detailed designs for a potential project.

"Thanks to our collaborative work with local officials, we are working to build a 21st century educational facility that will provide Belmont students with a top-notch learning environment," said Treasurer Goldberg.

The preferred solution proposes a minor renovation/major addition of the existing Belmont High School, resulting in mitigating over-crowding in the Belmont School District, meeting the educational program, preserving the existing pool and the field house. The District reported in its Statement of Interest that there were numerous deficiencies that are associated with mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; building envelope and windows; and accessibility. The District also reported that the existing facility does not support the delivery of its educational program as well as its existing projected overcrowding.

"The addition/renovation project at Belmont High School will mean a better learning and teaching location for students and teachers," stated Executive Director/Deputy CEO McCarthy.

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 $13.2 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.