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 the Jabish Brook Middle School, located in the Town of Belchertown, into the Schematic Design phase. In the Schematic Design phase, the MSBA and the district will look at possible options to replace the existing Jabish Brook Middle School with a new facility serving grades 6-8 on the existing site.
“Thanks to our collaborative work with local officials, we are working to build a 21st century educational facility that will provide Belchertown students with a top-notch learning environment,” said Treasurer Goldberg.
The proposed project would replace the existing Jabish Brook Middle School with a new facility serving grades 6-8 on the existing site. The district had identified in their Statement of Interest, numerous deficiencies and structural integrity issues including, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems as well as issues related to the envelope, windows, roof, and accessibility. 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 Janish Brook Middle 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 1,027 projects and has made over $16.7 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects across the Commonwealth.
