BOSTON—State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and MSBA Executive Director/Deputy CEO Mary Pichetti announced today that the MSBA Board of Directors voted to approve a grant of up to $32,881,789 for an addition/renovation project for Leicester High School. One of the next steps is for the 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.
“Upon completion, this project will provide a new 21st century learning environment for Leicester students,” Treasurer Goldberg said. “Our goal is to create the best space to deliver the district’s educational commitments and goals.”
The proposed project would create 148,588 square feet of educational space, on the site of the former Becker College, with an agreed upon enrollment of 365 students in grades 9-12. The proposed project will address several deficiencies identified by the District in their Statement of Interest including several deficiencies associated with the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems as well as the buildings’ envelope including; roof, window, accessibility and code compliance issues. In addition to the physical plant issues, the district reported that the facility does not support the delivery of its educational program.
“Leicester students will soon have a beautiful new space which will undoubtedly enhance and improve their ability to excel in the classroom,” stated Executive Director/Deputy CEO Mary Pichetti.
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 approved over 1,200 projects and has made over $19 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects across the Commonwealth.
