MSBA Approves up to $3.3M Grant for Upgrades to Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical High School

State Treasurer Steven Grossman, Chairman of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and MSBA Executive Director Jack McCarthy today announced that the MSBA Board of Directors voted to approve the schematic design and funding for repairs to Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical High School. 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.  The District is eligible to receive reimbursement from the MSBA for 78.95% of eligible expenses with a Maximum Total Facilities Grant for the project of $3,363,667.

“This is a down payment on the academic excellence of students in the Greater Lawrence District,” said Treasurer Grossman.  “Upon completion, these renovations will provide a modern learning environment and create the space needed to deliver on the school district’s educational commitments and goals.”

The project will consist of repairs to mechanical and plumbing systems in the 360,000 square-foot school, which was built in 1965. Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical High School serves 1400 students in grades 9 through 12.

“The future of the Massachusetts economy can be seen in our vocational schools, so it is vital for the state to invest in vocational education,” stated Executive Director McCarthy. “Today’s vote for the potential project in the Greater Lawrence District is an important step in that direction,” he added.

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 creation, the MSBA has made more than $9.9 billion in timely payments to cities, towns and regional school districts for school construction projects. These payments have saved municipalities over $2.9 billion in avoided local interest costs and have provided much needed cash flow to communities.