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Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces MSBA Saugus Middle-High School Groundbreaking Ceremony on Tuesday, July 17

Posted on: July 10, 2018 - 4:20pm
New Saugus Middle-High School

(Saugus, MA) July 6, 2018 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree, the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee, and the Saugus High School Project Building Committee are pleased to invite Saugus children, residents, Town and State officials, employees, and business owners to attend a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on the brand-new, grades 6-12 MSBA Saugus Middle-High School project.

The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the existing Saugus High School property, located at 1 Pearce Memorial Drive.

Last June 2017, an overwhelming majority of Saugus residents voted to support a new, 21st century education plan and Middle-High School district-wide master plan solution that will continue to prioritize education within the community. Following the 71% approval vote the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) awarded the Town a grant of up to $63.8 million to build the school, which will change the way education is delivered and help the school district achieve its goal to become a top-rated, Level 1 school district in Massachusetts.

“The Board of Selectmen, the School Committee, the School Building Committee, and I are absolutely thrilled to invite everyone to attend this groundbreaking ceremony for the new Saugus Middle-High School,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “I encourage children, parents, Town and State officials, and residents to take a few minutes out of their busy schedules to come to Saugus High School on Tuesday, July 17 and help us celebrate such an enormous milestone in this exciting project that will dramatically benefit the community and its residents for decades to come.”

“I’m excited beyond belief to see this vision become a reality,” School Committee and Building Committee Chair Jeannie Meredith said. “I can’t thank the community enough for their continued support. It’s been a long time since the kids of Saugus were put first. This new, grades 6-12 MSBA Middle-High School and district-wide master plan solution will put Saugus back on the map.”

When complete, the new Middle-High School complex will total 270,000 total square feet, including a 12,000 square-foot gymnasium and capacity for 1,360 students in grades 6-12. It will house state-of-the-art science labs and technology classrooms, fine and performing arts classrooms and a 750-seat auditorium. In addition, plans include a new sports complex and outdoor track, walking paths, outdoor classrooms, and student gardens.

This district-wide master plan solution also calls for renovations to Belmonte Middle School and Veterans Memorial Elementary School. Following renovations, Belmonte will be established as an Upper Elementary School for grades 3-5; and Veterans will become a Lower Elementary School for pre-K to grade 2.

Overall, the new, 21st century education plan and Middle-High School district-wide master plan solution will:

  • Facilitate the School District’s goal of moving from a Level 3 to a Level 1 school district.
  • Allow the School District to provide fair and equal access to all students enabling them to reach their highest potential and to continue to prioritize education.
  • Maintain accreditation with New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
  • Address health and safety issues including identified deficiencies in fire protection, sprinkler systems, and ADA accessibility, ensuring that children are in the safest and most secure schools.

“This new school, education plan, and district-wide vision will transform the way education is valued within this community. Most importantly, it will provide equal, equitable opportunities for students to access educational resources and reach their highest potential,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “We hope everyone will join us on Tuesday, July 17 to celebrate this enormous, historic milestone.  This is a tremendous credit to Town officials and the residents of Saugus in supporting and investing in our children and educational system.”

For more information on the project, contact the Town Manager’s office at 781-231-4111.

 

About the MSBA

The MSBA partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally-appropriate, flexible, sustainable and cost-effective public school facilities. Since its 2004 inception, the Authority has made over 1,600 site visits to more than 250 school districts as part of its due diligence process and has made over $11.5 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.

For more information about the MSBA, visit www.massschoolbuildings.org.

 

About The Town of Saugus

The Town of Saugus, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly, historic neighborhood Town located along the north shore, ten miles north of Boston. First settled in 1629, Saugus is home to historic sites, top-tier public services, and a thriving business community. Strong community support, a forward-thinking approach to town government, rich recreational opportunities, affordable choices, and easy access to all the amenities that Boston has to offer – they all contribute to make Saugus a Town where businesses flourish and families make their home.

Follow Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree on Twitter and Instagram at @scottccrabtree, and visit his blog at www.saugustownmanager.tumblr.com.

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