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 approve a grant of up to $63,227,174 for a new Wakefield Memorial High School, located in the Town of Wakefield. 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 Wakefield,” Treasurer Goldberg said. “Our goal is to create the best space to deliver the District’s educational commitments and goals.”
The proposed project would replace the existing Wakefield Memorial High School with a new three-story facility serving grades 9-12 on the existing site. The District had identified in their Statement of Interest that the current structure suffers from mechanical and electrical system issues as well as building 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 as well as existing and projected overcrowding.
“Wakefield 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 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 $16.2 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.
