Masconomet Regional Middle High School Building Project Accepted into State Program

On Wednesday, Oct. 29, the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts School Building Authority invited Masconomet Middle School and Masconomet High School into the schematic design phase of its Accelerated Repair Program.

The Masconomet Regional School District submitted a proposal in April to replace the roof, and convert the heating/cooling systems to heat pumps at the Middle and High Schools. The Accelerated Repair Program supports improving learning environments for children and teachers, reducing energy use, and generating cost savings for districts.

The roof and heating/cooling systems have been identified as in need of repair or replacement for several years. The roof was last replaced in 2001, with an expected 20-year lifespan. The District completed extensive short-term repairs to the roof in 2019 that were expected to last approximately five years.

Inconsistent heating/cooling has greatly interrupted the District’s ability to create conditions conducive to learning. The two current boilers in the Middle School are approximately 60 years old and in danger of failing. The High School’s boilers were installed in 2001. The lack of a functioning HVAC control system also hinders the ability to maintain appropriate classroom temperatures.

Replacing the current HVAC system with heat pumps will eliminate current issues with inconsistent heating and add the ability to provide air conditioning to all classroom spaces. Furthermore, new building systems will reduce energy costs and support ongoing conservation efforts. The project is expected to extend the life of the building for at least another 20 years.

“The District has been doing its best to keep up, but these systems are failing. Assistant Superintendent Jeff Sands and HVAC Technician Keith Starosciak have worked tirelessly to ensure our HVAC systems have remained operational. We’ve been very fortunate to have not had a catastrophe such as losing a boiler in the winter, where we would have to close school for multiple days,” Superintendent Michael Harvey said. “I would like to thank Mr. Sands and Mr. Starosciak for their work in developing our Statement of Interest submittal to the MSBA. We’re grateful that the MSBA has accepted us into the Accelerated Repair Program, which will help us address these issues and be able to concentrate on education once again.”

By entering the program, Masconomet can expect MSBA grant funding to significantly reduce the impact on taxpayers. Voters in Boxford, Middleton, and Topsfield will be asked to support the funding for the schematic design phase at their spring Annual Town Meetings. If approved, the District will develop schematic drawings and cost estimates for the roof replacement and HVAC work over the next 14 months.