Treasurer Steven Grossman, Chairman of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), and MSBA Executive Director Jack McCarthy today announced that the MSBA Board of Directors voted to approve a grant of up to $37.6 million to replace the existing Clark Avenue Middle School in Chelsea with a new facility serving grades 5 through 8 on the existing site. 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, along with the conditions under which the City will receive its MSBA grant.
“This is a down payment on the academic excellence of Chelsea students,” said Treasurer Grossman. “Upon completion, this new school will provide a modern learning environment and create the space needed to deliver on the school district’s educational commitments and goals.”
The new school will be built based on a design enrollment of 670 students in grades 5 through 8. The MSBA will contribute 80% of eligible costs toward the project, for a total grant of up to $37,634,932. The current Clark Avenue Middle School was built in 1926 and suffers from deficiencies in major building systems including mechanical, plumbing, electrical and building envelope.
“The proposed new school in Chelsea will replace an aging school with an up-to-date, 21st century learning facility,” stated Executive Director McCarthy. “Students will soon have a beautiful new space which will undoubtedly enhance and improve their 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 2004 inception, the Authority has made over 1,400 site visits to more than 250 school districts as part of its due diligence process and has made over $10.9 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.