The Massachusetts School Building Authority has given the green light for facility upgrades in four Holyoke public schools as part of the state’s Accelerated Repair Projects.
The initiative aims to improve learning environments in schools while making strides in energy efficiency and achieving cost savings.
State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg recently announced the approval of these projects. “The Accelerated Repair Program allows us to make critical repairs to more schools in less time,” she said. “By improving the learning environment for our children, the Program also makes schools more energy efficient and generates significant cost savings.”
The MSBA’s recent allocation covers up to $25,897,256 for Accelerated Repair Projects. The MSBA reimburses school districts up to 80% of the cost for improvement or complete construction projects.
Holyoke schools have been designated a substantial portion of the latest amount, primarily targeting structurally, functionally, and educationally buildings needing specific repairs or replacements.
Here is a breakdown of the improvements planned for Holyoke schools:
H.B. Lawrence School
• Project: Window/door replacement
• Total cost: $4,283,924
• MSBA grant: $3,266,594
Lt. Elmer J. McMahon Elementary School
• Project: Window/door replacement
• Total cost: $3,518,292
• MSBA grant: $2,633,236
Maurice A. Donahue Elementary School
• Project: Partial window/door replacement
• Total cost: $3,223,051
• MSBA grant: $2,455,782
William J. Dean Vocational Technical High School
• Project: Boiler replacement
• Total cost: $1,683,508
• MSBA grant: $1,143,818
The total cost for repairs across the schools comes to $12,708,775. The MSBA will refund 80% of the costs, or $10,167,020.
Whitney Anderson, the Holyoke Public School director of maintenance and facilities, expanded on the grants and the specific needs of the schools. While the MSBA temporarily suspended the Accelerated Repair program but reinstated in the “nick of time” for Holyoke’s requests.
Anderson said about McMahon School on Kane Road, “We’ve got something very close to 60 years old. There are unique challenges to even keeping the exterior of the building secure on a day-to-day basis.”
He noted the dire state of the windows at McMahon. The windows date back to the school’s original construction and have been targeted for replacement over the years. The Plexiglass windows are heavily scratched and yellowed, affecting the building’s energy efficiency, safety, and security.
Anderson stressed the challenges in maintaining the aging facilities. For example, the new Dean Tech boiler will boost energy efficiency and lower costs, crucial for such a cavernous building constructed in 1987.
“We are going to bid each window and door opportunity for the three schools independently to get as much savings as possible,” Anderson said, ensuring the city gets the best value for each repair.
Replacing the old windows and doors will create more sustainable and energy-efficient learning environments.
He specified that the “hard costs” pertain to tangible installations, while “soft costs” cover roles like project management and architecture. The district hired architectural firm Habeeb & Associates and a project manager for the projects.
“I’m delighted the city can capture these funds and utilize the program. We’ve got a great track record with the MSBA and look forward to continued success,” Anderson said.
In June, the MSBA Board voted to support the over $85 million William Peck Middle School project. The current structure, now shuttered, will be razed in the coming months. The MSBA will reimburse Holyoke around $45 million to $46 million of construction costs.