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 $55,592,153 for a new Joseph Case Junior High School, located in the Town of Swansea. 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 Swansea students,” Treasurer Goldberg said. “Our goal is to create the best space to deliver the district’s educational commitments and goals.”
The proposed project will replace the existing Jospeh Case Junior High School with a new facility serving 510 students in grades 6 through 8 on the site of the existing school. In the districts Statement of Interest, the district identified numerous deficiencies in the existing facility associated with mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems as well as the building envelope including; the building’s roof and windows, as well as accessibility issues. In addition to the physical plant issues, the district reported that the existing facility does not support the delivery of its educational program as well as existing and projected overcrowding.
“Swansea 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.
