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School committee endorses new Salem High School project, urges residents to support May 5 debt exclusion
Summary
The committee passed a unanimous resolution backing a proposed new Salem High School, citing an estimated project cost up to $447 million and an expected MSBA grant of about $208 million; members urged voters to participate in the May 5 debt‑exclusion election.
The Salem School Committee voted unanimously on March 23 to endorse a proposed new Salem High School and to encourage residents to support a debt‑exclusion ballot question on May 5.
Member Stott presented a resolution summarizing the building committee’s work with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), which the text of the resolution said determined new construction is the most effective long‑term solution for the city. The resolution states the total project cost is estimated not to exceed $447,000,000, and that the MSBA is expected to provide approximately $208,000,000 in grant funding toward the project.
During discussion, members noted the years of work that led to the design and financing plan and cited scheduled public engagement opportunities, including a March 29 open house and the May 5 special election. Member Miranda and others thanked building committee members and volunteers for outreach and indicated the resolution would be an additional avenue to get accurate information to voters.
The motion was made, seconded and carried unanimously. The resolution asks residents to participate in the democratic process on May 5 and frames new construction as a way to deliver updated academic, career and technical facilities, modern systems and community meeting spaces.
The committee’s resolution is an expression of support and does not substitute for the city’s formal ballot materials; details about final costs, MSBA grant amounts and financing were set out in the project materials and will be part of the public information distributed before the special election.
