During a recent government meeting, significant progress was reported regarding the design and funding of the Horace Mann School project. The design review committee expressed strong support for the current design direction, highlighting the collaborative efforts with Horace Mann staff, which have been instrumental in shaping the project.

The meeting included a detailed presentation of the project's budget, which began with an allocation of $100,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to cover the pre-feasibility phase. Mayor Fuller, along with city officials, worked with the Newton Retirement Board to secure additional funding. The budget breakdown revealed that the project is set to receive a total of $31,578,632, which is part of a larger $34 million project budget.

The funding sources include annual budget allocations that will contribute to both the design and construction phases. The presentation emphasized transparency, with all budget lines following a familiar structure used in previous projects. The committee was invited to ask questions regarding the budget and design materials, indicating an open line of communication as the project progresses.

Council member Bixby inquired about the current status of the school, reflecting the committee's ongoing interest in the project's development. The meeting underscored a strong consensus among stakeholders and a commitment to advancing the Horace Mann School project efficiently.