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 Somerville High School into the Schematic Design phase of the MSBA Capital Pipeline. In the Schematic Design phase, the City and the MSBA will look at options for a potential addition and renovation project at the existing High 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 Somerville students with a top-notch learning environment,” said Treasurer Goldberg.

The District-wide solution that is being further developed is for an 82,700 square foot renovation/addition project at the Somerville High School including the grades 6-8 Next Wave and grades 9-12 Full Circle special education day and alternative education programs. This solution was reached through a comprehensive feasibility study and due diligence process for the Statement of Interest (“SOI”) that the City submitted for the existing Somerville High School.

The SOI for Somerville High School identified numerous deficiencies including outdated mechanical and electrical systems. In addition, the District’s High School SOI identified numerous deficiencies associated with accessibility and appropriateness of existing spaces to deliver the District’s educational program. The original school building was constructed in 1895.

“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 $12.1 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.