September 28, 2009 - Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Dr. Alan J. Ingram, Superintendent of Schools, Members of the School Committee and Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings & Recreation Management, announced today that the first phase of the $20 million Massachusetts School Building Administration renovation funds have commenced. The first year improvements have been initiated at three schools. Pottenger, Alice Beal, and Mary Dryden Schools are receiving new roofs. The City has been chosen by the MSBA as the first municipality to receive Statement of Interest Funding for renovations and will develop a pilot program that will provide an estimated $20 million in upgrades to the following school buildings over the next three years. The projects include roofs and/or window replacement at the following schools:
Roof replacements:
Kiley
Central
Duggan
Liberty
Rebecca Johnson
Gerena
Kennedy
Window/door replacements:
Freedman
White St.
Margaret Ells
Glickman
Kiley
Mayor Sarno stated that “Springfield is proud to be the first city in the Commonwealth to pilot the MSBA renovation program.” “I want to thank State Treasurer Tim Cahill and MSBA Executive Director Katherine Craven for having the confidence in Springfield to implement this pilot program, said Sarno.” “Springfield is committed to providing quality learning facilities for our teachers and students and I look forward to the next three years of this program and the City’s continued exploration of all resources to improve our school buildings,” added Sarno.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alan J. Ingram said the condition of school facilities is an important part of the educational process and thanked Mayor Sarno, Patrick Sullivan and the MSBA for their work and commitment on behalf of Springfield Public School students. “This is great news for our school district,” said Ingram. “Our students and teachers deserve to teach and learn in school facilities that are sound and comfortable and these projects will help us provide that,” added Dr. Ingram.
Patrick Sullivan stated “The repairs of school roofs are critical in the day to day operation of ensuring a quality learning environment.” “The Mayor’s initiatives to improve the quality of Springfield’s schools have included building infrastructure, air quality and heating systems,” stated Sullivan. “This type of approach in the management of the City’s resources will have positive long-term results for our teachers and students and this program is the key to ensure the renaissance of Springfield’s Education System”, added Sullivan.”