Revere school project estimates come in on budget; committee to prepare MSBA submission

Revere City School Building Committee members were told Jan. 22, 2025, that two independent construction estimates for the district’s new school project came in narrowly under the approved construction budget, and the committee will prepare design-development paperwork for the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) with an expected submission by March 7.

The update, delivered by the design team, said both the designer’s and the construction manager’s estimates were very close — less than a percent apart — and overall the numbers for construction fell just under the MSBA-approved construction total. The project team also reviewed permitting milestones, contingency planning and security-system requirements; the committee approved three invoices as routine housekeeping.

Why this matters: MSBA reimbursement and permitting shape the project schedule and local funding exposure. Committee members and the city CFO said MSBA will reimburse roughly 48% of the total project; the city covers the remaining 52% without a tax override, according to remarks at the meeting. Permits and final bid results will determine whether the project remains on budget, whether contingency funds are used, and whether any value-management decisions become necessary.

Design and budget details

Brian, a design-team representative, told the committee the team completed two independent estimates and that both were “just a bit under budget.” He said the approved construction budget the committee is tracking against is…