Orange Awarded $33M Grant for Elementary School

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 $33,144,996 million to replace the Dexter Park School with an addition renovation project at the existing Fisher Hill School that will serve students in grades PK-6. 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 21stcentury learning environment for Elementary School students in Orange," Treasurer Goldberg said. "Our goal is to create the best space to deliver the District’s educational commitments and goals."

The proposed project would create 97,115 square feet of educational space with an enrollment of 520 students for grades K-6, for a project that will serve grades PK-6. The proposed project will address a number of the deficiencies identified by the District in their Statement of Interest, including deficiencies in all major mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; and structural 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 an projected overcrowding.

"Orange students will soon have a beautiful renovated 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 $14.3 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.