Minnechaug Regional High School Opens Under Model School Program
Treasurer Grossman cuts ribbon on "Model School" project
Cost-saving construction approach maximizes impact of tax dollars
State Treasurer Steven Grossman, Chairman of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and MSBA Executive Director Jack McCarthy today helped cut the ribbon at the new $61 million Minnechaug Regional High School. The MSBA leaders joined with local officials to celebrate the opening of the school, which serves 1,225 students in grades 9-12.
“Minnechaug Regional High School was one of the MSBA's first Model School projects, and I am delighted to see the final result,” stated Treasurer Grossman. “The Model School Program is an innovative initiative that has been tremendously successful, and it has helped communities across the Commonwealth save valuable time and money while delivering top-notch schools and modern learning environments for our students.”
“The MSBA is thrilled to have taken part in the construction of the new Minnechaug Regional High School,” Executive Director McCarthy said. “This partnership between the MSBA and the District has provided an up-to-date, 21st century facility for the children of Hampden and Wilbraham.”
The Model School Program incorporates successful elements from existing schools into the design of new facilities. Through this program, districts can simplify the design process, streamline construction, reduce the amount of time it takes to build a new facility and utilize design dynamics already deemed successful by students, teachers and administrators. The Model School Program was created in 2008.
The design for the new Minnechaug Regional High School is based on the Ashland High School. The facility includes a new gymnasium, upgrades to learning technology and performing arts facilities, as well as improved parking and access roads.
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 billion in payments to Massachusetts school districts. These timely payments made by the MSBA to cities, towns, and regional school districts for school construction projects have saved municipalities over $2.9 billion in avoided local interest costs and have provided much needed cash flow to communities.
