East Middle School Renovation Approved By State

BRAINTREE, MA — The proposed East Middle School expansion and renovation will have the full backing and support of the state.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority approved the project Wednesday. The project can now move forward to the design phase.

At least 50 percent of the costs will be paid for by the MSBA through a reimbursement. The rest of the $83 million project will be paid for through the town's operating budget. A debt exclusion vote will not be needed for extra funding, Mayor Joe Sullivan has said.

Officials say the school will be essentially new by the end of the project and includes a learning common to be built in the courtyard between the two school wings. The common will be connected to two academy commons, one exclusive for fifth and sixth graders and the other for seventh and eighth graders.

Plans call for one portion of the school to house the two lower grades and the other part for the two higher grades. The proposed floor plan has classrooms only for fifth and sixth grades on one floor, with another floor belonging to the seventh and eighth graders. The proposed first floor is split between the two academies. Both groups will have their own cafeterias and gymnasiums as well.

Construction is scheduled to start Spring 2018.

Image via Braintree Public Schools