MSBA OKs McCann, Monument School Projects
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Two high schools in Berkshire County were approved funding for projects by the Massachusetts School Building Authority board on Wednesday.
McCann Technical School has been approved for a $17 million project to update the 63-year-old school's roof, windows and doors, and Monument Mountain Regional High School for a new $152 million school.
Last year, McCann Tech was invited to participate in the MSBA's accelerated repair program to address its 30-year-old roof and original single-pane windows. The MSBA board voted for a maximum facilities grant of $9,369,988 for the project.
The total cost is set at $16,779,269.
The board voted in favor of $46,042,376 total in accelerated repair grants for 10 schools, mostly for roof replacements, and $98,175,900 for construction projects.
"The Accelerated Repair Program allows us to make critical repairs to more schools in less time," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, chair of the MSBA board. "By improving the learning environment for our children, the program also makes schools more energy efficient and generates significant cost savings."
The main goals of the program are to improve learning environments for children and teachers, reduce energy use, and generate cost savings for districts.
"The MSBA continues to partner with Massachusetts communities in the ongoing work of upgrading their public schools,” Executive Director and Deputy CEO Mary Pichetti said. "These improvements to school facilities can only enhance students' ability to excel in the classroom."
MSBA approved a project scope of $152,067,064 for a new Monument, with a reimbursement of $59,983,492 and another $1.6 million from Mass SAVE. The three towns that make up the Berkshire Hills Regional School District will vote on a debt exclusion for their $89 million share of the project on Nov. 4.
"Upon completion, this project will provide a new 21st century learning environment for students in the Berkshire Hills Regional School District," Goldberg said. "Our goal is to create the best space to deliver the district's educational commitments and goals."
The proposed project would replace the existing high school with a new facility serving students in Grades 9-12. The district had identified in its Statement of Interest numerous deficiencies in the existing facility, including outdated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; issues with the building envelope, windows, and roof; and a lack of accessibility compliance. The Statement of Interest also noted that existing facility does not support the delivery of the district's educational program.
The new school would be three stories and 140,500 square feet to accommodate an enrollment of 485 students. It will be built to the west of the existing school, which would be demolished when the new one opens.
Great Barrington, Stockbridge, and West Stockbridge have twice rejected projects for the 1968 school, including a $51 million renovation of Monument in 2014. The district has been trying to get a renovation/construction project off the ground since 2010.
The board also approved $789,107,687 in preferred schematic design plans for two high schools — Martha's Vineyard and Salem.
Tags: McCann, Monument Mountain, MSBA,
