State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and MSBA Chief Executive Officer Maureen Valente announced today that the MSBA Board of Directors voted to move the Sylvester Elementary School in Hanover into the Schematic Design phase of the MSBA Capital Pipeline. In the Schematic Design phase, Hanover and the MSBA will look at options for a potential addition and renovation project at the existing Center Elementary School that would relocate students in Grades 2-4, currently attending the Cedar Elementary School and the Sylvester Elementary School, into what will become a District-wide elementary school. The next step is for the MSBA to work in collaboration with the District to produce detailed designs for a potential project.
“Thanks to our collaborative work with local officials, we are working to build a 21st century educational facility that will provide Hanover students with a top-notch learning environment,” said Treasurer Goldberg.
This District-wide solution to move students in Grades 2-4 to the existing Center Elementary School, following an addition and renovation project at the Center School, was reached through a comprehensive feasibility study and due diligence process for the Statement of Interest (“SOI”) that the Town submitted for the existing Sylvester Elementary School. The SOI for the Sylvester Elementary School identified numerous deficiencies including: poor energy efficiency; outdated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; and the presence of hazardous materials. In addition, the District’s Sylvester School SOI identified numerous deficiencies associated with accessibility, overcrowding, and appropriateness of existing spaces to deliver the District’s educational program. The original school building was constructed in 1927.
“The MSBA continues to partner with Massachusetts communities in the ongoing work of upgrading our public schools,” Chief Executive Officer Valente said. “These improvements to school facilities will enhance students’ ability to excel in the classroom.”
The MSBA partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally appropriate, flexible, sustainable and cost-effective public school facilities. Since its 2004 inception, the Authority has made over 1,700 site visits to more than 250 school districts as part of its due diligence process and has made over $11.9 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.