East Middle Project Takes Another Step Toward State Funding

State officials voted Wednesday to move an infrastructure project at East Middle School into the next phase of its school funding pipeline.

Members of the Massachusetts School Building Authority's Board of Directors, including State Treasurer Steven Grossman, invited East into its 270-day "eligibility period," during which the MSBA will work with Braintree officials to determine the district's "financial and community readiness to enter the capital pipeline."

"We look forward to working collaboratively with Braintree officials to develop the best solution to meet the town’s educational needs in a fiscally responsible manner," Grossman said in a statement.

Braintree officials decided earlier this year to submit East as the town's first priority with the MSBA, which typically meets school district approximately halfway on funding one significant infrastructure project each year.

The $6 million project would upgrade heating and electrical systems, replace ceilings and perform other renovations at the 50-year-old school. In 2011, the majority of East's windows were replaced through the Green Energy Repair Program.

Areas slated for improvement on this project include new school-wide lighting, ceiling replacement, a heating system rebuild, an electrical expansion and upgrade to address modern technological requirements, and the installation of digitally-controlled ventilators for better temperature control.

The next step would be for the MSBA's board to vote to move the project into the "Feasibility Study phase." 

“This is a real positive for us and I appreciate the ongoing partnership with the MSBA,” Mayor Joseph Sullivan said. “This project will enable us to physically improve East MS to replicate the work we accomplished at South MS.”  

The project would follow a similar 2010 overhaul of South Middle School.

“I thank Treasurer Grossman and the MSBA for this important vote for Braintree,” Rep. Mark Cusack, D-Braintree, said. “With these critical upgrades to East Middle School, we will be able to provide the student and staff with the academic environment to excel.”  

Added Sen. John Keenan, D-Quincy: “Today’s MSBA vote to include East Middle School into the Eligibility Period is a huge step forward for Braintree and its students, and I thank Treasurer Grossman and the staff at MSBA for their partnership on this project.

"Mayor Sullivan, the Town Council and the School Committee have made the commitment to improving school facilities, and I am happy to join with them and Representative Cusack in advancing this project.”