Note: photo in 112422 folder could not be set
The South Memorial Elementary School will have to wait at least two more years to receive much-needed repairs now that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) declined to invite the school into the MSBA 2022 Accelerated Repair Program (ARP).
Superintendent Dr. Josh Vadala said the district recently was informed by MSBA that the district’s statement of interest (SOI) for a roof project at the school was not accepted into the program.
In a letter to the district dated Oct. 26, the MSBA said the ARP budget for 2022 is approximately $75 million which will fund 34 of 55 qualifying schools due to limited funds. The MSBA was forced to adjust its qualifying age requirements. Under the new standards, only roofs of 30 years or more, windows and door systems of 35 years or more and boiler systems of more than 25 years qualified for invitation into the ARP. The South School failed to meet those requirements.
Other non-qualifying conditions identified by the MSBA included “overcrowding,” identification in the SOI of “construction beyond roofs, windows or boilers,” the district’s plans for future core construction projects (the district previously filed SOIs for a new high school and new Center School), and the district’s inability “to fund a schematic design within two months of invitation and a total project project within 12 months of invitation.”
To add insult to injury, the MSBA has shut down the ARP for 2023 and will not accept statements of interest until at least 2024. The MSBA core program, which funds new construction, will remain in place.
“Unfortunately the MSBA has notified districts that it will not be accepting any schools into the ARP in 2023,” Vadala said . “While we are disappointed with this decision, Peabody appreciates the partnership with MSBA that has recently included a new Higgins Middle School, renovations to the Welch Elementary School (construction is projected to be completed in October 2023) and a roof project at the West Elementary School (construction to start in the summer of 2023).”
The ARP program provides funding for repair or replacement of roofs, windows and boiler systems in schools that otherwise are structurally sound.
The MSBA cited “unanticipated market volatility and supply chain issues that have significantly affected project bid results” resulting in significant increases in budget estimates as the reason for the ARP pause.
Vadala said that while school projects have become “more challenging” due to “unprecedented increases to construction costs and supply chain delays.” Peabody will continue to push for a new high school and Center Elementary School. The district’s efforts to be invited into the MSBA Core program for both projects have been unsuccessful.
“Funding remains a challenge at the state level with dozens of school districts applying for very limited spots, but we will continue to advocate for Peabody to be included in MSBA’s programs,” he said. “The students, staff and families in Peabody deserve the best school facilities with state-of-the-art learning spaces and we will continue to advocate on their behalf.”
School Committee member Joe Amico echoed Vadala’s sentiments, but admitted the MSBA process is “hit-or-miss.
“Like my fellow committee member Beverley Dunne says all the time, it’s like winning the lottery,” Amico said. “If you meet the conditions, you are invited, we just have to keep trying. Our big needs are a new high school and Center School and I expect we will keep putting in for that again. Particularly the high school is a big need requiring a huge investment, but we’ve learned from the Higgins, that it’s worth it. It’s amazing to think what we could do with a brand new building.
“The kids, teachers and community need it and we deserve to have what other districts have. We are trying every year and hopefully we will hit that lottery and get that invitation.”
School Committee Chairman, Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt, Jr. said the MSBA has been a “great partner” with the city on a number of projects, including the Higgins School and the Welch School, and he also hopeful that an invitation from the MSBA will be forthcoming soon.
“We were hopeful that we would be included in this round of funding for the South Memorial School roof,” he said. “Although we weren’t included this year, we believe it is a great project that will extend the life of the building. We are hopeful that we will be included in the next program.”
