FAIRHAVEN, Mass.—July 9, 2012—Jack McCarthy, Executive Director of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), today joined state and local officials at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Rogers Elementary School. The school is being built as part of the MSBA’s Model School Program, which effectively adapts and re-uses the design of successful, recently constructed schools.
“I am pleased that Fairhaven’s needs are a good fit for this program,” stated Treasurer Steve Grossman, Chairman of the MSBA. “Our Model School Program has saved communities across the Commonwealth valuable time and money. By building Rogers Elementary as a Model School, Fairhaven can take advantage of these savings while providing students with a learning environment that fully supports the District’s educational plan.”
The $24.7 million project will replace the existing school with a completely new facility. The current structure, which was built in 1885, has insufficient space for art, music, science, and special education and also has deficiencies in building systems including roof, HVAC, exterior walls, plumbing, and fire protection. The MSBA will reimburse 63.50% of eligible expenses for this project.
“As a result of the successful collaboration between the MSBA and Fairhaven, students at the new Rogers School will get a completely up-to-date learning environment,” said Executive Director McCarthy. “We are delighted to be taking part in this work.”
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.
