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Press Release
MSBA Accepts Burncoat High School Into School Construction Project Pipeline
WORCESTER – Wednesday, December 13, 2023 – Today, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), the state agency that helps fund public school building construction, voted unanimously to accept Burncoat High School to become eligible for a future project.
The vote signals the first step in the process for the MSBA to substantially fund construction of a new Burncoat High School building and campus. The Worcester Public Schools (WPS) has proposed Burncoat High School for an MSBA-funded project 13 times since 2008. In the last seven attempts, WPS indicated Burncoat High is the district’s highest priority school construction project.
“I am thrilled that Burncoat High School has been accepted into the MSBA project pipeline,” Mayor Joseph Petty said. “This is a significant first step toward a vitally important project for the Worcester Public Schools. A modernized school facility will only enhance educational opportunities and foster a more prosperous future for generations of students.”
The MSBA’s eligibility process will begin July 1, 2024, which will last approximately nine months. During this time, WPS will submit numerous maintenance records, enrollment reports, and other information to help the MSBA determine the size and scope of the project.
Following the eligibility process, WPS will conduct a feasibility study to design a new high school facility. The entire design and construction project is anticipated to take 5-7 years.
WPS will work closely with the MSBA while designing a future Burncoat High School facility. Currently, Burncoat is the district’s home high school for the performing arts and its dual language program.
“Our scholars deserve a premiere educational facility that supports our exceptional performing arts, dual immersion and future-ready programming, and reflects the high value we place in them,” said Dr. Rachel Monárrez, Superintendent of WPS. “We look forward to working with the MSBA, Burncoat High and the broader Worcester community on this major endeavor to expand opportunities for youth at Burncoat High School.”
“I would like to express my deep thanks and appreciation for everyone who has worked to bring a new Burncoat High School to the MSBA, including our elected officials and the administrations of the City of Worcester and Worcester Public Schools,” said Joseph Ewick, Burncoat High School Principal. “A new Burncoat High School is greatly needed to ensure a high-quality experience for our students who deserve a top-notch facility.”
The City of Worcester Public Facilities Department will oversee the project in close collaboration with Worcester Public Schools.
“The City of Worcester is pleased to continue our partnership with the MSBA with the start of the Burncoat High School project,” said Worcester City Manager Eric Batista. “There is no greater investment than in the education of our youth, and providing them a state-of-the-art facility is key to helping them reach their full potential.”
Separately, WPS is in the process of constructing a new Doherty Memorial High School with MSBA funding. The building is under construction on the site of the current school and scheduled to open in the fall of 2024.
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