School Building Authority approves Medford High School move to feasibility stage
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Board of Directors voted unanimously last week to move the City of Medford into the Feasibility Phase as part of the MSBA construction process for a new Medford Comprehensive High School.
The following was submitted by Medford Public Schools:
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Board of Directors voted unanimously last week to move the City of Medford into the Feasibility Phase as part of the MSBA construction process for a new Medford Comprehensive High School.
“As we move into the Feasibility Phase of our MSBA process, we have already set a solid foundation of work for our new high school project," said Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn. “This includes reaching an agreement with the MSBA on student capacity that will allow for 16% growth in enrollment and a reimbursement rate that will pay for 52.31% of the project’s eligible expenses. Thank you to the Medford Comprehensive High School Building Committee (MCHSBC) and city and school staff for your hard work navigating us so quickly into this next exciting phase.”
Acceptance into the Feasibility Phase allows the city to continue working with the MSBA to explore solutions for a new Medford High School.
During discussion of Medford’s unanimous approval, the board noted the city’s thoughtful outline of the district’s educational priorities among all submitted documents during Module 1 - The Eligibility Phase.
“Medford Public Schools is very grateful for the MSBA’s approval to move into the Feasibility Phase for a new Medford Comprehensive High School,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Suzanne B. Galusi. “Thank you to the MCHSBC for their steadfast commitment towards creating a new high school for future generations of Medford students, educators and community members. The district is thrilled with the opportunity to continue this important work.”
During the Feasibility Phase, Medford and the MSBA will partner to find the most educationally appropriate and fiscally responsible solution towards a new Medford High School.
The Feasibility Study, which will be conducted pursuant to the MSBA’s regulations, requires Medford to work with the MSBA on the procurement of an Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) and Designer as part of forming the building project team.
Medford’s OPM Request for Services, the first step towards procuring an OPM, was submitted to the MSBA on Wednesday shortly after acceptance into the Feasibility Study Phase.
“My sincerest thanks go to the entire community for their support and excitement regarding this project," said MCHSBC Chair Jenny Graham. “The MCHSBC has been working tirelessly to advance Medford’s project timeline so that our students can begin learning in a new environment as quickly as possible. The MCHSBC is filled with dedicated and passionate people who are willing to work hard for the students of Medford.”
While the invitation to partner with the MSBA on a Feasibility Study is not approval of a new Medford High School, the Feb. 26 decision is one step closer to making the project come to fruition.
For further information about the project, visit here.
