MSBA Board Votes Easton's Center Elementary School into Schematic Design

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 move the Center Elementary School, located in the Town of Easton, into the Schematic Design phase. In the Schematic Design phase, the MSBA and the District will look at possible options to replace the existing Center, Moreau Hall and Parkview Elementary Schools with a new district-wide facility serving grades PK-2 on the existing Parkview Elementary School site contingent upon the Town providing an update to its Preferred Schematic Report. The next step is for the MSBA to work in collaboration with the District to produce detailed designs for a potential project.

"Thanks to our collaborative work with local officials, we are working to build a 21st century educational facility that will provide Easton students with a top-notch learning environment," said Treasurer Goldberg.

The proposed project would create a new 150,225 square foot facility on the existing Parkview Elementary School site. The District identified in their Statement of Interest, numerous deficiencies including issues relative to mechanical and plumbing systems; the buildings envelope; and accessibility. In addition to physical plant issues, the District reported that the existing facility does not support the delivery of its educational program as well as existing and projected overcrowding.

"The new Center Elementary School will mean a better learning and teaching location for students and teachers," 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 $13.8 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.