Jack McCarthy, Executive Director of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), today joined state and local officials at a groundbreaking ceremony for a major addition and renovation project at Stoneham Middle School. The MSBA is contributing a maximum total facilities grant of up to over $21 million of eligible expenses towards the $40.5 million project.
State Treasurer Steven Grossman, MSBA Chair, expressed delight at the start of the long-awaited improvements to the school. “Thanks to the MSBA’s successful partnership with Stoneham, students and staff of Stoneham Middle School will benefit from a state-of-the-art learning and teaching environment for many years to come,” Treasurer Grossman said.
The project consists of improvements to and expansion of the Central Elementary School, which was built in 1954. Upon completion, the upgraded building will replace the Town’s existing Middle School with a 136,410 square foot facility serving 775 students in grades 5 through 8. The current facility suffers from deficiencies in mechanical systems and parking space for staff and service vehicles.
“The MSBA is thrilled to be taking part in the upgrades to Stoneham Middle School,” Executive Director McCarthy said. “This partnership between the MSBA and the District will provide an up-to-date, 21st century facility for children in the District.”
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 $9.7 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.