Brewer Lauds Approval of School Building Assistance Grant for Winchendon Boiler

Boston, MA – Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) announced today that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Board voted to approve a grant of up to $353,115 to the Winchendon Public Schools district for the replacement of its boiler at Toy Town Elementary School.

The boiler system at Toy Town Elementary School dates back to 1959 and has reached an end to its useful life. In late December 2009, recognizing the imminent need to replace the system, the Winchendon Board of Selectmen authorized the School Committee to send a statement of interest to the MSBA for participation in its Green Repair Program. The program is specifically geared toward projects that require only the repair or replacement of roofs, windows and boilers in public school facilities. After a site visit by the MSBA, the Winchendon Public Schools was invited to participate in a feasibility study on May 26, 2010. Today, based on evidence from the feasibility study that the replacement of the boiler system is necessary, the MSBA Board voted to approve the project with a 61.95% reimbursement rate from the state. Based on a total project budget of $570,000, Winchendon will receive a maximum grant award of up to $353,115.

“I am delighted the MSBA Board has recognized the importance of this project to the school district and has approved this expenditure,” Senator Brewer remarked. “Over the past months, I have been working with the school district to underscore the very real need for this project to MSBA. I commend the school district, town officials, and the taxpayers of Winchendon for working together to ensure that Toy Town Elementary is properly maintained and is a safe learning environment for the children.

“Winchendon Public Schools is incredibly grateful for the efforts and support we have consistently received from both Senator Brewer’s office and MSBA,” said Superintendent Brooke Clenchy. “This project is something we desperately need for Toy Town Elementary School, and we appreciate that we have had the support of our local officials and community at large, as well as those in Boston, working on our behalf and hearing our plea for help.  Our thanks go to everyone involved.  This is an exciting time for WPS.”

“I want to acknowledge the efforts of everyone involved in getting the project to this point. There has been a lot of hard work and due diligence done behind the scenes to have this happen,” stated Michael Barbaro, Chairman of the Winchendon Public Schools Committee. “I, too, am appreciative of the support of Senator Brewer’s office and MSBA.  We couldn’t have done this without their help.”

In 2004, the General Court passed legislation, now known as Chapter 208 of theActs of 2004, which utilized surplus funding and bonds to clear the waiting list for school building projects throughout the state in 3½ years and pay for projects on an ongoing basis by dedicating one percent of the sales tax to school construction.  The passage of this legislation and the creation of the MSBA eliminated the wait list while providing an ongoing revenue source for new school construction for our children and presenting a significant opportunity for new economic development.

Posted: Wed, Sep 29, 2010
Updated Wed, Sep 29, 2010