Potential Expansion Considered For Shrewsbury High School

SHREWSBURY, MA - The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) board of directors voted Friday, Dec. 13, to include Shrewsbury in an “eligibility” period for a potential expansion of Shrewsbury High School.

The multi-year process will require both local and MSBA approval in future votes for the project to be funded and built, but this is a first step in addressing chronic overcrowding at the high school. Shrewsbury High School’s enrollment has far exceeded its original capacity of 1,475, and since 2005 its student population has increased from 1,434 to 1,873.

This isn’t the first time MSBA’s programs have helped Shrewsbury’s schools, as both Sherwood Middle and Beal School were built through that same program.

“I wish to thank the school committee and the select board for voting to submit the statement of interest,” said Superintendent of Schools Joe Sawyer.

Should Shrewsbury High School not be selected for the project, the plan will be to resubmit a statement of interest again in 2025. There is no set date for when updates will be available.

“Today’s MSBA Board vote represents a significant step in what I hope will ultimately become an important future expansion of SHS,” Sawyer said. “Despite today being Friday the 13th, I think this was an auspicious day for our community.”