BOSTON – State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and MSBA Executive Director/ Deputy CEO Mary Pichetti, announced today that the MSBA Board of Directors voted in support of the MSBA staff recommendation to reopen the Accelerated Repair Program in January 2024 with an annual estimated budget of $150 million.
“The MSBA looks forward to continuing to work with our partners at the local level to address the growing demand for school building assistance,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “This program allows us to make critical repairs, ensuring that all students are learning in structurally and educationally sound schools.”
Based on the popularity of the Green Repair Program, created in 2010 through Qualified School Construction Bonds, the MSBA introduced the Accelerated Repair Program, starting in 2012. In the past, the Accelerated Repair Program has provided grants for key, stand-alone systems, including roofs, windows and boilers, that prolong the longevity of the building and offer improvement to the educational environment. The Green Repair Program and the Accelerated Repair Program have supported projects totaling over $1.4 billion over the last 11 years with grants of over $830 million.
Due to a volatile construction market, the MSBA paused the Accelerated Repair Program for 2023 so that it could provide higher construction funding limits for districts working in the MSBA’s pipeline. Since then, MSBA staff reviewed the scope and the administration of the Accelerated Repair Program, resulting in today’s recommendations to reopen the Accelerated Repair Program in January 2024 for roofs and windows with an annual estimated budget of $150 million. Additionally, the MSBA plans to develop a study for public school facilities that could offer heat pump conversions for existing buildings. This study will facilitate school districts moving toward Massachusetts’ goal for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“The decision to reopen the Accelerated Repair Program was prompted by thoughtful discussions, both internally and externally, geared towards enhancing the delivery of the program and our continued support of school districts with much needed school improvement projects.” said MSBA 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 made over 1,750 site visits to more than 250 school districts as part of its due diligence process and has made over $16.7 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.
