Questions Raised, Answered, About Kennedy School Project

NATICK, MA—Based on feedback and questions from the community, the a dedicated committee has just created a comprehensive FAQ document addressing the topics and questions raised about the Kennedy Middle School Building Project.

Plans for an 182,000-square-foot building to serve 1,000 schematic designed was backed by the school committee at a meeting in Monday, reports Wicked Local Natick. The project could cost up to $110 million, with the town footing up to $76 million of that. The new school could include a performance center, athletic center, labs and a planetarium.

A vote from Town Meeting members on funding takes place at a special town meeting on Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wilson Middle School. And at the March 27 town election, a ballot question will include a debt exclusion question related to the building project.

Kennedy Middle School was originally constructed in 1965 to accommodate 554 students, but it currently serves 667 students. It was determined by the state to be one of the buildings most need of repairs in the Commonwealth.

According to the school's site, "a master building study—completed by Dore and Whittier Architects, Inc.—found that in order to bring the current building up to code (and conduct all necessary repairs) the Town of Natick would be solely responsible for the $20 million cost. However, by working with the MSBA and coordinating this upgrade through its program, Natick will benefit by providing the community with a new school at a fraction of the cost. In our case, the Town would be reimbursed between 40-49 percent for all eligible costs for this project as determined by the MSBA."

Get updates and more information about the building project here, including upcoming forums and votes.

Photo via Natick public schools