Stoughton superintendent outlines new elementary school, redistricting, HVAC grants and transition plans

Dr. Joseph Baietta, superintendent of Stoughton Public Schools, told listeners on Around Town with Dave Walsh that the district is advancing a long‑planned new elementary school project and expects to begin site work in spring, contingent on town approvals and contract selection.

The superintendent said the district’s construction subcommittee will interview three construction firms on Aug. 13 and that the project team is pursuing a land swap with the town that would keep a secondary roadway — Fano Drive — from becoming a full public through‑road. “It completely eliminates the two bridges concept,” Baietta said, adding that not building bridges would lower costs and open more options for entrance and exit configurations. He said the swap is subject to select board and town meeting approval and that the school committee will be asked to support the proposal on Aug. 26.

Baietta said the district must follow Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) rules for square footage once a project is approved. “The square footage of the building cannot…