Springfield is seeking to expand and modernize its science laboratories at Central High School, while Granby is addressing concerns about a deteriorated elementary school.
Steven Grossman
The Massachusetts School Building Authority on Wednesday voted to approve reimbursements for a planned $32 million science laboratory project at Central High School in Springfield, and also agreed to reconsider a plan to renovate or replace Granby's West Street School.
At a meeting Wednesday in Boston, the authority including its chairman, atate Treasurer Steven Grossman, announced that it will contribute up to $25,563,938, or 80 percent of eligible expenses for the Central project through the authority’s Science Laboratory Initiative.
“Ensuring that our students have access to a top-notch, 21st century science curriculum not only better prepares our kids for the demands of an evolving job market, but it also enhances the future competitiveness of the Commonwealth,” Grossman said. “I’m delight to see this important project move forward.”
The project includes renovation of six existing science laboratories and the construction of 12 new labs.
The School Building Authority, meanwhile, gave new life to the West Street School project.
The authority had recently turned down Granby’s application for state funding.
On Wednesday, however, the authority reconsidered the application and voted to invite the Granby school project into its “Eligibility Period,” considered a “critical step” in the authority’s process of evaluating potential construction work, said Authority Executive Director Jack McCarthy.
During the 270-day period, the authority will work with Granby officials to determine the district’s financial and community readiness to advance its efforts, and if successful, could win approval to proceed to a “feasibility study” phase.
Granby is considering options for renovating or replacing the deteriorating West Street school.
More details coming on MassLive and in The Republican.