Medford School Committee vice chair Jenny Graham and project consultants opened a public webinar to begin a feasibility study for Medford High School under the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) core program. The district and MSBA agreed on a planning enrollment target of 1,395 students for grades 9–12, and the team described next steps in a multi-stage MSBA process that will determine whether the project proceeds as a renovation, addition or new build.

Consultants from Left Field (owner’s project manager) and SMMA (design and educational planning) presented the study’s schedule and the technical work under way. The feasibility study includes two deliverables to the MSBA: a Preliminary Design Program (PDP) focusing on fact-finding, site and program documentation, and a Preferred Schematic Report (PSR), in which the team will recommend one option. The PSR is scheduled for submission in June 2026; MSBA board review and a subsequent town-level vote to fund the local share are expected in 2027 if the MSBA approves the recommended option.

Why this matters: participation in the MSBA core program makes the district eligible for substantial state grant reimbursement (presenters said the reimbursement rate is over 50%), while requiring a methodical education‑first process that defines space needs before selecting a building option. The district said the aim is to create flexible, collaborative learning spaces, expanded CTE space, universal accessibility and an auditorium suitable for both school and community use.

What the study is doing now: SMMA described technical investigations that are under way, including architectural and structural surveys, MEP system assessments, hazardous‑materials reviews, a 3‑D scan of the building, geotechnical borings and test pits, site surveying (including wetlands mapping), traffic counts and hydrant-flow testing. Those studies will feed cost estimates and the space summary that the MSBA uses to verify eligible building components.

Community participation and near-term schedule: the project team announced a string of public meetings and advisory‑team sessions intended to gather input. The building committee will review early design concepts in multiple meetings in February 2026, and a community input session is scheduled for March 5 to collect feedback on a set of alternatives. The school committee will review the educational plan in late February ahead of the PDP submission.

Next steps and decision points: following PSR submission in June 2026 and MSBA review, the MSBA board must approve the recommended option before the city can put a local funding question (debt exclusion) to voters. If approved, schematic design, detailed budgeting and construction documents would follow before construction mobilization anticipated in 2028 and primary construction in 2029–2030 aiming for a September 2030 opening day.

Attribution: statements and direct quotes in this report come from speakers at the district webinar, including Jenny Graham (vice chair, school committee; chair, building committee), Matthew Gallino (Left Field project manager), Matt Rice (SMMA, principal in charge) and Rosemary Park (SMMA educational planner).","sections":{"lede":"Medford School Committee vice chair Jenny Graham and project consultants opened a public webinar to begin a feasibility study for Medford High School under the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) core program.","nut_graf":"The district and MSBA agreed on a planning enrollment target of 1,395 students for grades 9–12. Consultants said the PSR is scheduled for June 2026 and that MSBA approval would be followed by a town vote in 2027 on the local share.","ending":"The project team will refine design alternatives through spring public meetings; if the MSBA approves the recommended option the city would seek voter approval of a debt exclusion in 2027 before moving to detailed design and construction."},