Jack McCarthy, Executive Director of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (the "MSBA"), joined state, county, and local officials at a groundbreaking ceremony for an addition/renovation project at the Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole.
The construction project will add seven new classrooms to the existing building, along with space for student guidance and special education. The MSBA is reimbursing the district for 55.76% of the eligible, approved project costs for a maximum grant of up to $15,369,712.
“This project will mean a better learning and teaching environment for Norfolk Agricultural students and teachers,” said Executive Director McCarthy. “The MSBA process has enabled us to create a 21st century learning environment in the most cost-effective way possible.”
The Norfolk County Agricultural School serves 489 students from Avon, Bellingham, Braintree, Brookline, Canton, Cohasset, Dedham, Dover, Foxborough, Franklin, Holbrook, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Milton, Needham, Norfolk, Norwood, Plainville, Quincy, Randolph, Sharon, Stoughton, Walpole, Wellesley, Westwood, Weymouth, and Wrentham.
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 $8.7 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.