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 $36,728,824 for a project to replace the existing C.T. Douglas Elementary School and the Paul P. Gates Elementary School with a single building on the existing Paul P. Gates site, serving 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 new 21st century learning environment for students in Acton-Boxborough," 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 a new 174,759 square foot facility with an enrollment of 990 students in grades PK-6, on the Paul P. Gates site. The District had reported in their Statement of Interest, that the current structure suffers from building envelope issues as well as deficiencies in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. In addition to physical plant issues, the District reported that the facility does not support the delivery of its educational program, as well as existing and projected overcrowding. Additionally, the building currently does not have an operable fire protection system.
"Acton-Boxborough 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 $14 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.
