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Council authorizes $2.5 million for schematic design of White Street and Kensington Avenue schools

Springfield City Council · February 3, 2026

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Summary

The council approved a $2.5 million municipal bond authorization to fund design and MSBA submittals for combining White Street and Kensington Avenue schools into a single project; officials said extensive community outreach and site selection are next steps.

Peter Garvey, director of Capital Asset Construction, told the council the $2.5 million authorization will fund the next design steps required by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for a consolidated White Street and Kensington Avenue project. The funds will assemble design teams, owners’ project managers and pay for schematic design and community outreach needed to identify sites and the educational program.

Garvey said the two existing schools date from the early 1900s, lack cafeterias and are in need of modernization. The city’s approach will combine the two schools within one school complex (pre‑K through grade 5) to reach an efficient size; Garvey estimated a potential school population of roughly 800–960 students once consolidated. Councilors asked about grade configuration, timeline and outreach; Garvey said the school committee must approve site decisions and that community meetings and MSBA coordination are integral to the next steps.

The council approved the $2.5 million authorization by roll call.