BOSTON—State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and MSBA Executive Director/Deputy CEO Mary L. Pichetti announced today that the MSBA Board of Directors voted to move Salem High School, located in the City of Salem, into the Schematic Design phase. In the Schematic Design phase, the MSBA and the district will look at possible options to replace the existing Salem High School.
“Thanks to our collaborative work with local officials, we are working to build a 21st century educational facility that will provide Salem students with a top-notch learning environment,” said Treasurer Goldberg.
The proposed project would replace the existing Salem High School with a new facility serving students in grades 9 through 12, on the site of the existing school. The district had identified in their Statement of Interest numerous deficiencies in the existing facility related to structural integrity; outdated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems leading to high operational costs; the building envelope; and accessibility issues. The Statement Of Interest also identified deficiencies in existing spaces that are deemed incapable of appropriately delivering the District’s CTE programs; insufficient space for special education programs; and insufficient space for student support services. In addition, to the physical plant issues, the district reported that the existing facility does not support the delivery of its educational program.
“The potential new Salem High School will mean a better learning and teaching location for students and teachers,” stated Executive Director/Deputy CEO Mary Pichetti.
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 approved 1,138 projects and has made over $18 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects across the Commonwealth.
