State Treasurer Tim Cahill, Chairman of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and Katherine Craven, MSBA Executive Director, were in Boylston today to celebrate the MSBA’s commitment to the Berlin-Boylston Regional School District for the construction of the new Tahanto Regional Middle/High School. The Treasurer presented a check for $21,198,751 representing the maximum grant the MSBA has agreed to pay for the project.
“We found the most educationally appropriate and economical solution to the problems at Tahanto,” said State Treasurer Tim Cahill. “This project will not only create a top-notch learning facility for the students of the district, but it will also create jobs in a sector of the economy hard hit by this recession.”
“A new Tahanto will mean a better learning and teaching environment for the students and teachers of the district and it is another example of the commitment, collaboration and the partnership the MSBA has with districts,” said Katherine Craven, MSBA Executive Director.
“This is a long-awaited and much needed opportunity for the school district to have the resources it needs to keep pace with its excellence in education,” stated State Sen. Harriette Chandler.
"I am excited that the collaborative effort between the regional school district and the Commonwealth's Massachusetts School Building Authority will result in a wonderful new facility which demonstrates everyone's commitment to moving Massachusetts' schools into the 21st century by providing, not only our students, but also our dedicated teachers with the best tools and environment for learning," said Rep. Danielle Gregoire.
“Today's presentation is a sign of the continued dedication and commitment to education and our students. I am thrilled and thankful for all the hard work that went into making this day a reality for Tahanto Regional Middle/High School. Our students will continue to be a priority in the community and I thank everyone involved who made this project a reality," Rep. Naughton said.
The MSBA is collaborating with municipalities to equitably invest $2.5 billion in schools across the Commonwealth by finding the right-sized, most fiscally responsible and educationally appropriate solutions to create safe and sound learning environments. The MSBA is committed to protecting the taxpayer’s dollar by improving the school building grant process and avoiding the mistakes of the past in the funding and construction of school facilities. To date, the MSBA has made approximately $7 billion in reimbursements to cities, towns and regional school districts 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 municipalities in these difficult economic times.