BOSTON—State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and MSBA Executive Director/Deputy CEO Mary Pichetti announced today that the MSBA Board of Directors voted to approve a grant of up to $70,053,514 for a new John B. Devalles Elementary School, located in the City of New Bedford. 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 district will receive its MSBA grant.
“Upon completion, this project will provide a new 21st century learning environment for students in New Bedford,” Treasurer Goldberg said. “Our goal is to create the best space to deliver the district’s educational commitments and goals.”
The proposed project would consolidate the student population of the existing John B. Devalles Elementary School and the James B. Congdon Elementary School and construct a new facility serving grades K-5 on an alternative site referred to as the Goodyear site. The district had identified in their Statement of Interest that the current structure suffers from structural integrity issues as well as mechanical, electrical and plumbing system issues as well as envelope, window, roof and accessibility deficiencies. In addition to the physical plant issues, the district reported that the existing facility does not support the delivery of its educational program as well as existing and projected overcrowding.
“New Bedford students will soon have a beautiful new space which will undoubtedly enhance and improve their ability to excel in the classroom,” 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 1,027 projects and has made over $16.7 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects across the Commonwealth.
