Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Facilities Msba topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Medford School Committee authorizes MSBA statements of interest for three elementary schools
Summary
The Medford School Committee voted unanimously to authorize submission of statements of interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s accelerated repairs program for Roberts, Missatuck and Brooks elementary schools, citing aging roofs and failing HVAC systems.
The Medford School Committee voted 7-0 on March 5 to authorize the superintendent to submit statements of interest (SOIs) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) accelerated repairs program for Roberts, Missatuck and Brooks elementary schools.
The SOIs request consideration under MSBA Priority 5 — replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems — specifically roofs and HVAC systems with heat-pump technology. "This window is open now until March 21, and then, we anticipate it will be closed for approximately 2 years," said Dr. Peter Cushing, assistant superintendent, urging the committee to seek entry into the MSBA pipeline while the application window is open.
Committee members said the district has prioritized these applications because roofs in the three buildings are approaching typical life expectancy and HVAC systems are reported to be in various states of failure. The SOI language, read into the record by a committee member, notes that cooling systems are unable to maintain comfortable temperatures for staff and students and that roofs are showing signs of deterioration and wetness.
The committee’s motions followed MSBA-prescribed language and included an explicit acknowledgement that submission of an SOI does not guarantee MSBA acceptance, approval of an application, award of a grant or any funding commitment by the MSBA.
Votes at a glance - Roberts Elementary School (Court Street, Medford; address number not specified in the transcript): motion to authorize SOI approved, roll-call vote 7-0. - Missatuck Elementary School (37 Hicks Avenue, Medford, MA 02155): motion to authorize SOI approved, roll-call vote 7-0. - Brooks Elementary School (388 High Street, Medford, MA 02155): motion to authorize SOI approved, roll-call vote 7-0.
Doctor Cushing told the committee that the MSBA window would likely not reopen for roughly two years, making the current opportunity time-sensitive. He also said the filings are the first step to enter the MSBA pipeline and do not commit Medford Public Schools to filing a full funding application.
The packet and motion language will also be transmitted to the City Council for its approval; Dr. Cushing said he was preparing a submission for the council’s upcoming meeting.
The committee did not discuss project design details, cost estimates or construction timelines at the meeting; those items would be part of future MSBA feasibility and application phases if the SOIs advance.
