Superintendent Jason Calichman and Director of Facilities Max Kasper gave a ‘very positive’ update on the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) decision to advance Swampscott through the initial review phase, bringing the town one step closer to potential funding for Swampscott Middle School renovations.
The condition of the Swampscott Middle School and its need for upgrades have been ongoing topics of discussion for the School Committee and the Select Board. The school was built in 1958, with an addition completed in 1977. In April, both groups approved allowing the superintendent to submit astatement of interest to the state for potential renovation funding.
To be considered for state funding, the district must submit a statement of interest to the MSBA, which will then determine whether to advance the project for funding. 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.
“We’ve been involved with the MSBA for many years in many different ways,” Kasper said.
For the statement of interest, Kasper highlighted 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.
Kasper, Calichman, School Committee Chair Glenn Paster and Middle School Principal Jessica Minter met with six MSBA members on September 3, when the authority shared Swampscott’s progress within the funding process.
“We made it through the first filter,” Kasper said. “It’s not a super official process at that level but not every letter of interest that was submitted is still on the table and we are.”
Kasper said the conversation was “productive,” adding that the MSBA members were “interested to see what we were dealing with at the middle school.”
The MSBA is expected to make a formal decision on which projects will receive funding in December.
If Swampscott is selected to move forward, the eligibility period will begin in early to mid-2027. A school building committee would be formed, as well as the completion of educational and enrollment profiles.
“Enrollment was something that we talked quite a bit about with the MSBA and it was important to them,” Kasper said. “It informs the size of the school, and it’s very important for the planning of a district.”
School Committee Member Miguel Contreras noted the other projects in town can also impact Swampscott’s population, influencing the districts’ enrollment.
“I would expect that the Vinnin Square project — and at some point the glover house project — will definitely increase the number of students in our district,” Contreras said.
The district will also identify existing maintenance and capital improvement practices during the eligibility period, and it would conclude with a Town Meeting approval to fund feasibility study and schematic design.
“It’s costly but it has to happen,” Paster said, noting that the committee will need to talk to voters and ensure transparency within the overall process.
Kasper did note that “the project isn’t defined at this time,” but Calichman said MSBA suggested “reimbursement rates are more favorable now than when we did the elementary school.”
