East Middle School Renovation Heads To State Board June 28

BRAINTREE, MA — The East Middle School project could get the backing of the Massachusetts School Building Authority by the end of the month.

Mayor Joseph Sullivan said this week that the proposed addition and renovation goes in front of the MSBA June 28. If it’s approved, the project will then go into the design phase.

Sullivan told the school committee Monday that the project is essentially the same aside from minor changes due to discussions with the MSBA about costs that are eligible and ineligible for reimbursement from the state.

“We had a few conversations about the new gymnasium and auditorium. They’ll pay for the stage but they won’t pay for the seats so we have to step up and pay for the seats,” Sullivan said. “I’m very appreciative of the relationship with the MSBA. We are forming a solid relationship. (The extra costs) are not large on an $80 million project, we’re talking about $300,000-500,000 dollars. We are willing to do it and we can do it in our current budget framework.”

Superintendent Frank Hackett said they are in good shape for the meeting.

The East Middle School project will be paid for through the town's operating budget. A debt exclusion vote will not be needed for extra funding, Sullivan has said in the past.

If all goes according to plan, the school district will start work next spring.

Image via Braintree Public Schools