Council to Consider Multi-Million Bond Options for Medford High Science Lab Overhaul

The City Council will be presented with three options for a science lab overhaul project at Medford High School, the cheapest of which is $10 million.

The Medford Public Schools were previously selected as one of 10 recipients for a state grant, called the Science Lab Initiative, that will fund up to $60 million worth of projects. Under the grant, the state will re-imburse the city for up to 60 percent of the cost of qualifying projects.

Mayor Michael McGlynn has submitted three options for the science lab improvements, one that would cost $14,216,966, another for $12 million and another for $10 million, according to a city council meeting agenda. The council is expected to consider the options in its 7 p.m. meeting tonight at city hall.

Prior to the regular meeting, the council will hold a committee of the whole, Supertindent of Schools Roy Belson, public works Commissioner Jack Buckley, and City Budget Director Stephanie Burke will be on hand to answer questions regards the proposals.

Belson prevously said the improvements to the labs would be complete by the start of 2013 school year, when the school will begin the accreditation process.

"I guarantee you if we don’t get new science labs, we’ll be cited," Belson previously said.

Funding for the grant is derived from the Federal stimulus. It is awarded through the Massachusetts School Buildings Authority.