$16.3 Million in Funding for Construction of the New Briggs Elementary School Announced

Boston- Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) announced today that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has approved $16.3 million in grant funding to the Ashburnham-Westminster School District for the construction of a new John R. Briggs Elementary School in the Town of Ashburnham.

“I applaud the MSBA and Ashburnham-Westminster School District for collaborating and deciding that a new Briggs Elementary School is the best option for the students of Ashburnham,” remarked Senator Brewer. “Superintendent Zapantis and School Committee Chairman David Christianson have worked together from the beginning on behalf of the students and staff at Briggs Elementary to envision this new and improved facility and bring this project to fruition.

“The MSBA Board clearly recognized the fact that the John R. Briggs Elementary School is in serious need of replacement to address the lack of space and the infrastructure problems,” stated Superintendent Michael Zapantis.  “Remodeling was not the best option as identified in the feasibility study findings.”

“The MSBA Board’s decision today is a major milestone for Ashburnham,” state School Committee Chairman David Christianson. “Their rigorous evaluation, design and budget process has validated the significant school building problem that the town has struggled with for some time now, and puts forward a cost-effective, long-term solution that will serve the needs of the town and its children well into the future.”

The Massachusetts School Building Authority works with local communities to identify school facility needs, develop fiscally responsible and educationally appropriate solutions, and create safe, sound, and sustainable learning environments. The John R. Briggs Elementary School was built in 1968 and has gone through several changes due to student population growth. It was determined by MSBA that a new school was the most fiscally responsible and educationally appropriate solution to the District’s needs.

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Posted: Wed, Nov 17, 2010
Updated Wed, Nov 17, 2010