North Andover Advances In MSBA Process For Kittredge School

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover was accepted into the Massachusetts School Building Authority's "Eligibility Period" Wednesday, the first step toward getting state funds for the Kittredge Elementary School.

During the eligibility period, "the School Building Commission will work with the Town to determine North Andover’s financial and community readiness to enter the MSBA capital process," the district said Wednesday. "North Andover was one of 17 schools selected in the state."

If North Andover meets eligibility requirements including the formation of a school building committee and funding a feasibility study at the annual town meeting in May, the town will be eligible for the authority's Feasibility Study period.

The town recently completed its Facilities Master Plan II, which addresses seven buildings including the Kittredge School.

"Our thorough analysis has shown that North Andover currently does not have adequate space to meet the needs of our students," Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues said. "I appreciate the entire community and the state coming together to support our students. Today’s invitation was a major step toward the success of the entire Facilities Master Plan II and I look forward to seeing the entire plan come to fruition."

"We’re very appreciative of the MSBA for recognizing the needs of the children in North Andover," Superintendent Gregg Gilligan said. "In addition to making the schools ADA and code compliant, we will be able to ensure equity for our students, provide the support spaces needed for 21st-century learning, and continue to address class size while building capacity for future growth."

Recommendations for school projects will be presented at the May 17 town meeting.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.