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MSBA approves Kitridge Elementary project; town meeting vote will decide local bond
Summary
The Massachusetts School Building Authority approved North Andover’s Kitridge Elementary rebuild; the project budget is $79.8 million with MSBA covering 36.6% (about $29.2 million). Town Meeting voters must approve the borrowing on May 12 for the project to proceed to design and construction.
The Massachusetts School Building Authority voted to approve the Kitridge Elementary School project, Laura Bates, chair of the Kitridge School Building Committee and a member of the Select Board, told the School Committee on Feb. 26.
The committee and town officials said the total project budget is $79.8 million and that the MSBA’s reimbursement share is 36.6 percent — about $29.2 million, according to the presentation. Bates said the town has 120 days from the MSBA vote to accept the award and place a warrant article on the May 12 Town Meeting for voter approval of borrowing to cover the project cost before reimbursements are processed.
If voters approve the warrant article, the project team will move from schematic design into preparation of construction documents. Officials outlined a timeline: design development June 2026–June 2027, construction procurement to begin in late 2027, and an anticipated opening for the 2029–30 school year. Bates said temporary site activity will begin sooner — for example, moving modular classrooms — but major construction is slated to start in September 2027.
Committee members and presenters emphasized key elements of the plan: the new building will serve grades 1–5, provide three classrooms per grade, expanded special-education space, a gym and cafeteria with a shared stage, improved kitchen and food-service facilities, ADA compliance and modern mechanical/electrical systems. Officials said the design includes community-use spaces and energy-efficiency upgrades.
The School Committee did not vote to appropriate funds at the Feb. 26 meeting; the district will ask voters at Town Meeting to approve borrowing. The MSBA approval is a conditional reimbursement commitment, officials said: the town will bond or otherwise finance the full project and then receive state reimbursement consistent with MSBA procedures and rules.
Next steps include a tri‑board presentation for the public and briefing sessions around town; Bates said informational display boards and trifolds will be posted at town hall, the library and schools in the coming weeks. The School Committee encouraged residents to attend Town Meeting on May 12 and to review posted materials in advance.
