Framingham school plan approved for state building authority's eligibilty pipeline

FRAMINGHAM — The city has achieved a "significant first step" in turning its plans for a new elementary school on the south side into reality, as the Massachusetts School Building Authority has voted to invite Framingham Public Schools into the eligibility pipeline to explore funding and feasibility for a new school.

"This is a significant first step, and one of many more to follow," Framingham Superintendent of Schools Robert Tremblay told the Daily News.

The city has sought to build a new elementary school for several years, with data showing that about 6,000 of the district's 9,000-strong student body live on the south side of the city — yet only three of the district's nine elementary schools are located there.

'It can be a long day': Why does Framingham lack elementary schools in its south side?

The shortage of schools in Framingham's south side has added strain to the school busing system, which is already dealing with a significant shortage of drivers. Building a new elementary school would result in more students who now rely on busing to get within walking distance of school.

The new elementary school would also offer pre-school, as many young children on the south side are underserved.

MSBA accepts Framingham proposal following third attempt

Framingham Public Schools first submitted a statement of interest to the MSBA for a new school two years ago, but it was not accepted into the state's capital pipeline. Tremblay said it's common for projects to get rejected upon first entry, given the sheer number of applicants throughout the state and the state's ability to fund only so many projects each year.

"The following year we had a study of the Hemenway (Elementary School) property, which gave us more information and helped us get a stronger case," Tremblay said. "We are happy to be one of 19 districts this year to get admitted."

By getting invited into the application process, Framingham can move forward with further exploration of a new elementary school, with the MSBA open to providing state funding for a potential project that the state would oversee from beginning to end. The next step for the district would be to look at a feasibility study for a site, and eventually, a municipal vote to approve funding for a new school.

'Friendly taking': Framingham would pay $9 million for Bethany Road land needed for new school

A key distinction in Framingham, compared to other proposals, is that instead of simply building an additional school, the project will represent a replacement for what's now the Hemenway Elementary School on Water Street.

Built in 1961, the Hemenway School is the logical next Framingham school to be renovated or replaced. But because it's on a relatively small plot of land, building a modern school — with pre-school for 4-year-olds — at that spot is impossible. That meant a different location was needed for the new school, creating an opportunity for a move to the south side.

"The MSBA is going to come out and look at three options — renovation of the existing school, renovation with an addition to the existing school or reconstruction," Tremblay said. "Due to the size and environmental restrictions we have on the current Hemenway location, and the need for us to have additional pre-K, it is likely that the best option being chosen is new construction."

Bethany Road property tabbed as new location

The location for the new school would likely be on the former Sisters of St. Joseph property on Bethany Road. The city has already authorized purchase of the property, a 32-acre site on the city's south side, for $9 million.

"I am very pleased that the Massachusetts School Building Authority recognized the need for a potential new south side elementary school," Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky said in a statement.

The mayor said that in anticipation of acceptance into the MSBA capital pipeline, he has signed an executive order to create a 13-member Framingham School Building Committee, with its members and leadership to be named later this month.

School Committee Chair Jessica Barnhill testified on behalf of Framingham Public Schools during the MSBA board meeting.

"This is terrific news," she said. "It is a huge step in addressing existing inequities in our school system and city. We are excited to see what options exist in Framingham on the south side to really support the needs of our students. It is time the children of the south side have the same educational opportunities as their north side peers. Let’s get to work and build a school for our kids."

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Framingham south side school project approved for eligibility pipeline