Medford Officials Back Nearly $700 Million High School Project

The city plans to seek voter approval for a debt exclusion to repay construction bonds over 30 years.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Nov 12, 2026 10:27 AM EST

Project documents list Feb. 25, 2027, as the planned schematic-design submission to the MSBA and June 8, 2027, as the planned city vote on the debt exclusion. (Dakota Antelman/Patch)

MEDFORD, MA — City officials are outlining the next steps for the high school building project as they prepare to release updated cost estimates early next year.

Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn's office, the City Council, and the School Committee announced their support for the Medford Comprehensive High School Building Project, which is currently estimated to cost just below $700 million. The state would cover approximately $226 million, leaving the city responsible for an estimated $474 million.

The city plans to seek voter approval for a debt exclusion to repay construction bonds over 30 years. Final project costs and the estimated impact on taxpayers are expected in early February 2027, following completion of schematic design and updated estimates from Suffolk Construction, the city's selected construction manager.

The City Council voted 6-0 on Tuesday, Nov. 10, to approve the joint statement after residents raised concerns about the project's affordability. Councilors also approved amendments seeking additional financial expertise on the project's funding task force and a process for residents to submit questions and receive answers.

The announcement follows months of discussion about the project's scope and financing. Officials presented preliminary cost and tax impact estimates in June, when the estimated city share for the alternatives ranged from approximately $440 million to more than $607 million. Those figures preceded the latest design reductions. Updated tax impact estimates for the selected project are expected in February.

Medford entered the Massachusetts School Building Authority's feasibility phase in February 2025. The High School Building Committee selected its preferred design the following year and submitted the Preferred Schematic Report on June 25, 2026. The project entered schematic design in August, and the committee approved its scope and space summary on Oct. 6.

The selected design combines new construction with renovations to portions of the existing school. Plans include renovating the gym, pool, and physical education and dining wings, with a new addition accommodating the remaining programs.

The existing building is more than 50 years old and has deteriorating systems that frequently disrupt student learning. Recurring problems include burst heating pipes that temporarily close sections of the school, inadequate insulation and heating and cooling systems, and a leaking roof that requires ongoing maintenance.

The school was evacuated and closed on Oct. 5 after a strong sewage gas smell was detected. A contracted drain company cleared a sewage backup, while a cleaning company cleaned the mechanical room and addressed the smell in affected areas. No injuries were reported, and the school reopened the following day.

The city said the building also lacks sufficient space for vocational and special education programs. More than half of the school's students are enrolled in vocational programming, with six or seven programs having waitlists each year.

The building committee, architect, and project manager examined more than 29 renovation options. Bringing the existing building into compliance with current safety, building, and accessibility requirements would cost approximately $478 million, according to the announcement.

The city said that work would not qualify for MSBA reimbursement because it would not meet educational needs, including expanded vocational and special education programming. Medford would be responsible for the entire cost of that alternative.

The building committee has reduced the proposed project's total cost by more than $150 million since March, according to the city.

An Oct. 6 presentation placed the estimate at $699,862,410. Replacing the proposed geothermal system with an all-electric air-to-water heat-pump system reduced the estimate by approximately $53.8 million. Initial costs associated with a solar power-purchase arrangement added approximately $7.5 million, while reductions in planned building space provided additional savings.

The October proposal includes space for 17 existing and two new career and technical education programs, Curtis-Tufts, consolidated preschool programming, district offices, a pool, a 750-seat auditorium, and a teen health center.

The project team will continue reviewing the design, materials, and construction phasing for additional savings. Officials said the city could also reduce the impact on taxpayers by allocating new property tax revenue from development, setting aside money for future debt payments, and maximizing available property tax exemptions.

School staff and project team members have applied for state, federal, and private grants and begun private fundraising efforts.

The city and school district sought volunteers in August to establish a fundraising nonprofit. The organization would raise private donations for portions of the project that are not eligible for MSBA reimbursement. Founding volunteers would help establish its governance, fundraising strategy, and community outreach.

Project documents list Feb. 25, 2027, as the planned schematic-design submission to the MSBA and June 8, 2027, as the planned city vote on the debt exclusion. A Nov. 2 presentation outlines building construction from June 2028 through July 2033, with site work expected to be completed in 2034.

Residents will have several opportunities to learn more about the project. A community forum is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. at Medford High School. A separate presentation is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 30, at 1 p.m. at the Medford Senior Center.

Joint City Council and School Committee meetings are scheduled for Nov. 30, Jan. 20, and Feb. 2. Additional community forums are scheduled for March 4, May 13, and June 2.

The School Committee is also scheduled to discuss the project on Jan. 25, followed by a City Council meeting on March 9. Upcoming building committee meetings include Nov. 16 and Dec. 14.