Medfield Public Schools Provides Update On Efforts to Build New Elementary School

MEDFIELD – Superintendent Jeffrey Marsden and School Building Committee Co-Chairs Mike Weber and Meredith Chamberland wish to share the following update on efforts by the Medfield Public Schools to build a new elementary school.

On Dec. 13, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) informed the District that its request to enter the MSBA program was denied. Acceptance is the first step toward a partnership with MSBA, which supports the design and construction of educationally appropriate, flexible, and sustainable public school facilities. MSBA also provides construction grants for approved projects.

MSBA approved 19 of 62 applications for eligibility in the 2023 cycle.

The Dale Street School, which houses students in Grades 4 and 5, is more than 80 years old; replacing it has been a priority for the town for more than 20 years. The District and School Building Committee have worked for more than six years to develop plans for a modern, cost-effective building that enhances the ability of staff to deliver a 21st-century education to students. 

The District had been accepted into the MSBA process in 2018 and proposed constructing the new building on the Wheelock School campus with a fall 2024 opening. The project received a majority of the votes at Town Meeting, but fell short of the 66 percent of the votes required for passage. This result required the District to start over and reapply to MSBA.

Superintendent Marsden intends to recommend in February that the District apply once again for entry into the MSBA program. The application will require approval by both the School Committee and Select Board.