State Treasurer Steven Grossman, Chairman of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and Jack McCarthy, MSBA Executive Director, today joined with local legislative and district leaders to cut the ribbon on the new Somerset-Berkley High School. The MSBA is contributing 67.48% of eligible expenses towards the $82,383,618 project, which was conducted as part of the MSBA’s Model School Program. The Model School Program incorporates successful elements from existing schools into the design of new facilities.
“The Model School initiative has been a resounding success, and I’m excited that the Somerset-Berkley District’s needs are a good fit for the program,” said Treasurer Grossman. “By utilizing the best design elements from other successful construction projects, the MSBA’s reimbursement rate increases, saving money for local taxpayers.”
The new, three-story, 222,826 square-foot facility features a replica of the 1936 cupola located above the main entry of the previous Somerset-Berkley High School. Design of the new school was based on Whitman-Hanson High School and achieved LEED silver certification. Somerset-Berkley High School serves 1,000 students in grades 9-12.
“The MSBA is thrilled to have taken part in this project,” Executive Director McCarthy said. “This partnership between the District and the MSBA has provided an up-to-date, 21st century facility for the children of Somerset and Berkley.”
The MSBA partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally-appropriate, sustainable and cost-effective public school facilities. Since its 2004 inception, the Authority has made over 1,400 site visits to more than 250 school districts as part of its due diligence process and has made over $10.7 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.
