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 the William N. DeBerry Elementary School, located in the City of Springfield, into the Schematic Design phase. In the Schematic Design phase, the MSBA and the District will look at possible options to replace the existing William N. DeBerry and Homer Street Elementary School on the site of the existing DeBerry Elementary School that will serve students in grades PK – 5.
"Thanks to our collaborative work with local officials, we are working to build a 21st century educational facility that will provide Springfield students with a top-notch learning environment," said Treasurer Goldberg.
The proposed project would create a new 154,608 square foot facility, at the William N. DeBerry site with an agreed upon enrollment of 800 students. The District identified in their Statement of Interest, numerous deficiencies including structural compromises; electrical and plumbing systems; interior accessibility issues; and exterior envelope issues. 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 William N. DeBerry Elementary 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 $14.1 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.