Winthrop Awarded MSBA Grant of up to $42.5 Million for New Middle/High School Facility

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 $42.5 million to build a new middle/high school facility in Winthrop. 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 City will receive its MSBA grant.



“This is a down payment on the academic excellence of Winthrop students,” 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.”



"As I’ve said countless times before, I believe that education is the great equalizer,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. “Through our budget, the Legislature has increased funding for local schools and various K-12 programs. While providing more resources is key to making our education system the best in the nation, having the proper facilities is also part of this goal. The MSBA grant towards Winthrop’s proposed new school is a great opportunity for our town to do so."



The new middle/high school facility will be built based on a design enrollment of 970 students in grades 6 through 12. The MSBA will contribute 59.97% of eligible costs toward the construction of the 187,917 square-foot facility, for a total grant of up to $42,582,841. The current school was built in 1965 and suffers from deficiencies in major building systems including stairs, envelope, windows, and roof.



“The new Winthrop High 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, flexible, sustainable, and cost-effective public school facilities. Since its 2004 inception, the Authority has made over $9.9 billion in reimbursements for education capital improvement projects. These timely payments have saved districts over $2.9 billion in avoided local interest costs and have provided much needed cash flow to communities.