The School Committee approved allowing the superintendent to submit a statement of interest to the state for potential funding to renovate Swampscott Middle School.

“I think all of us up here are completely in agreement of this,” said Chair Glenn Paster.

Swampscott Public Schools Facilities Director Max Kasper returned to the School Committee on Thursday, following his presentation in February on the much needed upgrades to the middle school. The most problematic systems at the school are HVAC, electrical services, security and the lack of a fire protection system, according to Kasper.

The issue will go in front of the Select Board at its next meeting, on April 8.

“Both the Select Board and School Committee need to authorize to submit the statement of interest,” Kasper said. “That’s an absolute prerequisite.”

To receive state funding for the project, the district must submit a statement of interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), which will then decide whether to select the project for funding. Superintendent Jason Calichman previously said the MSBA would determine whether repairs would be made or if an entirely new school would be built if the district’s submission is selected.

Replacing a large majority of windows at Swampscott Middle School is the top priority among 20 capital improvement projects the district is pursuing as May’s annual Town Meeting approaches.

For the statement of interest, Kasper is emphasizing priorities such as roofs, windows, boilers, and heating and ventilation systems to “decrease energy costs,” along with renovations to “obsolete” building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, accessibility, and interior and exterior finishes.

At a Capital Improvement Committee meeting on February 5, Town Administrator Nicholas Conners presented a five-year improvement plan through fiscal year 2031. The plan included a $100 million placeholder for middle school renovations in fiscal year 2029.

“Everyone knows the pressing issue with the middle school,” Calichman said. 

While the overall process could take upwards of seven years, Kasper said this step is necessary to move forward.

“A lot of work has to be done to make sure everyone is in agreement, to make sure the Finance Committee is comfortable that we can afford it and to make sure that we have enough votes (from Town Meeting) to win,” Paster said. “I think this is a good first step.”