Significant step forward moves school building planning into next phase

SOMERVILLE– The City’s work to deliver a state-of-the-art school project for Somerville students
is moving into the next phase in the state’s school building funding process. This afternoon, the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) Board of Directors voted to move Somerville’s project forward. The vote by the MSBA Board is a required step
that occurs at several points throughout the multi-year process.

Somerville’s school building project through the MSBA would address the needs of the Winter Hill Community
Innovation School and potentially the Brown School.

Today’s approval means the project can enter the next phase of project development. Beginning in January
2025, the City can now start a formal procurement process to hire an Owner’s Project Manager to oversee the project, and then a Design/Architecture firm. In both processes, the
School
Building Committee will be directly involved and the MSBA will ultimately need to approve
the hires.

“This is the news we wanted to hear – and it is important news. As we advance through each stage of
the MSBA process to seek state funding, we get closer to building the quality school our students need and deserve. I want to thank the state, our staff, and all who have supported this effort as we work toward this vital goal for our youth and our community,”
said Mayor Katjana Ballantyne.

“We are extremely grateful for this continued partnership with the MSBA, and eager to continue our
progress toward a new school building particularly for our Winter Hill School community,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Rubén Carmona. “Our SPS and City teams worked extremely hard over the last 270 days of our Eligibility Period to ensure we were well
positioned to move into the next phase, with the blessing and support of our state partners. This vote marks a huge step forward, and we are excited to get right to work in the new year.”

To help inform decisions about the scope and location of this project, the City and Somerville Public
Schools are committed to a robust and inclusive community process. This process will help inform the
School
Construction Advisory Group, which will develop a recommendation to the Mayor for the
scope and location of the project.

More information about community engagement and the next phase of the MSBA process will be shared
via City and SPS channels and via direct outreach over the coming weeks. You can stay informed and review project milestones to date at
somervillema.gov/msba.