Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Maintenance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves $300,000 schematic-design appropriation for Silver Hill roof; MSBA accelerated-repair program and deadlines discussed
Summary
The School Committee authorized $300,000 for schematic design work for a roof replacement at Silver Hill Elementary and reviewed the MSBA 'accelerated repair' program, including a March statement-of-interest deadline and expanded funding for roofs and heat-pump conversions.
The Haverhill School Committee voted to appropriate $300,000 to fund schematic design for a replacement roof at Silver Hill Elementary School, 675 Washington Street, part of steps required to pursue MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority) support for the project.
Superintendent (unnamed in the transcript) described the school’s roof as more than 30 years old and said the schematic design is necessary for planning and to apply for MSBA funding. Committee members moved and seconded the appropriation and approved it by roll call.
During discussion Attorney Rosa briefed the committee on the MSBA Accelerated Repair Program, which the district has used previously for projects such as the high school gym roof and the Moody School roof. Rosa said program rules are changing in 2025: the program’s annual allocation will increase and the MSBA is expected to allocate roughly $300 million per year for roofs and windows over the next two years, with an additional allocation (reported as $250 million over two years) earmarked for heat-pump conversions rather than boiler replacements. Rosa urged staff and the mayor’s office to consider submitting statements of interest early; he noted the deadline for statements of interest this cycle is Friday, March 21.
The MSBA program is discretionary and reimbursement levels vary; committee members discussed timing, project sequencing and the need to coordinate with the mayor and City Council on borrowing if the city pursues multiple projects.
Ending: The committee approved the schematic-design appropriation and directed administration to continue planning and to coordinate MSBA application work with the mayor’s office.
