Massachusetts School Building Authority green-lights Amherst to feasibility study for new elementary school
Updated Feb 15, 2021;
AMHERST – Massachusetts School Building Authority last week approved the town and school department’s requested entry into the next phase of a years-long process that will determine if a new elementary school might be built, and if the state may fund more than half of the amount.
This next phase is called the “feasibility study” period.
The Amherst application to the MSBA asked for state help to build a new Fort River Elementary School.
It was submitted in December 2019.
Following the MSBA review, working in tandem with local officials, the state said Amherst may pursue two options, during the feasibility study period.
Westwood s School in the Woods moves one step closer
Wicked Local
Editor s Note: The following was submitted by Westwood Public Schools.
The new Westwood elementary school project is one step closer to reality, now that the town’s School Building Committee has approved a schematic design and budget for submission to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in connection with Westwood’s participation in the MSBA reimbursement program for school construction projects.
“Today was a milestone,” said Superintendent Emily Parks after the vote. “We’re excited and ready to move forward.”
The SBC approved a $87,850,386 budget for the new school, which will serve a maximum enrollment of 560 students in grades K-5 from the Hanlon and Deerfield districts. The building will be constructed at the site of the current Hanlon School. The theme governing the new school’s design is the “School in the Woods,” Parks said.
Agawam eyes replacement of 65-year-old high school MassLive.com 2/15/2021
AGAWAM At more than 65 years old, Agawam High School may be looking at retirement.
Town officials have asked the state to consider funding the renovation or replacement of the building at Cooper and Mill streets in Agawam. The request is one of 30 under consideration by the Massachusetts School Building Authority, a state agency that reimburses local school districts for building projects.
Last week, School Superintendent Sheila Hoffman met with MSBA officials, and said she hopes they approve the town’s request for funding. The next step is for state officials to tour the building and assess how Agawam’s needs compare to the other applicants’.
John Portz/Special to the Watertown Tab
The Watertown School Committee met on Feb. 8 via Zoom.
The Teaching and Learning Showcase featured school activities in every school in recognition of Black History Month.
The Superintendent presented several updates on WPS equity work, district COVID metrics, and the mid-year survey.
KW Diversity is now a partner with the district to provide workshops on cultural proficiency. This will include workshops with district leaders, the school committee, and the community. A district-wide equity audit will be conducted, and additional training will take place at the Middle School. The new Director of Equity and Inclusion position has been posted and will close on February 21 with a plan to complete the hiring process by March 22. A screening/interview committee that includes educators, students, parents, and others will be created for this process. Also, an equity website has been created to highlight this area of work.
Around Amherst: Businesses get boost from state Winter Pivot grants
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST Several local businesses recently received $500 grants, matched with an additional $500 from other sources, that could help sustain them through the remaining winter months as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Using an earmark secured in the state budget by Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, and administered through the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, 18 businesses in Amherst, Hadley, Sunderland and Belchertown are getting financial support, according to an announcement from the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce.
“The Amherst Area Chamber is proud to continue to offer every possible lifeline to our businesses to keep them afloat during these difficult winter months,” said Claudia Pazmany, the chamber’s executive director.