The Arlington High School Building Committee provided an update on Jan. 9: the district expects to take ownership of the new athletics and performing-arts wing on Feb. 17 with a community viewing planned for March, and project completion (including site work and fields) is targeted by Labor Day.

Why it matters: The opening of the final wing will expand performing-arts, athletics and student spaces. The Addison Middle School statement of interest (SOI) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is an early step in pursuing state support for a potential rebuild.

Interim facilities reports and subcommittee actions: Mr. Thielman (School Committee member and facilities subcommittee chair) said the facilities subcommittee will review the district’s tech-and-space plan before it returns to the full committee for adoption. The subcommittee plans a late-February review of a draft SOI for Addison Middle School; the committee must vote to authorize the superintendent to submit the SOI to the MSBA. Mr. Thielman said facilities director Bob Jefferson presented a progress update showing several capital projects advanced and that MSBA will perform a facilities survey as part of their regular process.

Committee members noted procedural requirements for MSBA submissions. Member Mr. Carden and others recalled the town select board and finance committee engagement in prior MSBA processes and said staff should coordinate required local approvals and outreach before a submission.

Ending: Committee members said they will schedule subcommittee meetings to review the tech/space plan and finalize the Addison SOI draft for committee consideration before the MSBA deadline in April.