State Treasurer Steven Grossman, Chairman of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and MSBA Executive Director Jack McCarthy today announced that the MSBA Board of Directors voted to approve a grant of up to $27.3 million to build a new Mountview Middle School. One of the next steps is for the Wachusett Regional School District and the MSBA to enter into a Project Funding Agreement, which will detail the project’s scope and budget, along with the conditions under which the District will receive its MSBA grant.
“This is a down payment on the academic excellence of students in the Wachusett Regional School District,” said Treasurer Grossman. “Upon completion, this new school will provide a modern learning environment and create the space needed to deliver on the school district’s educational commitments and goals.”
The new Mountview Middle School will be built based on a design enrollment of 800 students in grades 6 through 8. The MSBA will contribute 57.93% of eligible costs toward the construction of the 126,200 square-foot facility, for a total grant of up to $27,375,945. The current school was built in 1967 and suffers from deficiencies in structural integrity and in major building systems, including mechanical, electrical, envelope and roof.
“The new Mountview Middle School will replace an aging school with an up-to-date, 21st century learning facility,” stated Executive Director McCarthy. “Students will soon have a beautiful new space which will undoubtedly enhance and improve their ability to excel in the classroom.”
The MSBA partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally-appropriate, sustainable and cost-effective public school facilities. Since its creation, the MSBA has made more than $9.6 billion in timely payments to cities, towns and regional school districts for school construction projects. These reimbursements have saved municipalities over $2.9 billion in avoided local interest costs and have provided much needed cash flow to communities.