Stoneham Takes Next Step In Approving High School Funding

STONEHAM, MA — With the funding approval behind them, Stoneham officials are now looking to take the next steps in the construction of a new high school.

More than 80 percent of voters Tuesday came out in favor of a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion to finance the nearly $190 million project. With a $49 million Massachusetts School Building Authority grant expected, the cost to Stoneham will be about $140.6 million.

"On Tuesday night, the Town of Stoneham took another step toward a new and improved High School for the community," Town Administrator Dennis Sheehan said. "I am particularly grateful for all the efforts of the community members and staff who over a period of several years made this opportunity a possibility.

Stoneham will begin working with teams to get construction started in June. Officials are eyeing Sept. 2024 for an open date.

Subscribe to Stoneham Patch for the latest local news and real-time alerts

"I am truly thankful for the overwhelming support for the High School Project," Superintendent John Macero said in a statement. "When I arrived less than five years ago, the one consistent concern throughout the community was the High School building. On Tuesday night, the town approved this issue to be resolved and I am proud of all the work our School Building Committee has done to bring us to this point in time. I look forward to working with the Committee and continuing our journey to make this project a reality."

The school will be constructed north and east of the current building. It will be made up of two wings connected by Spartan Place on the first floor and a media bridge on the second, according to plans.

"The east side of the building will house the District Offices, the High School offices, the Pre-Kindergarten Program, with academic classrooms on the second and third floors, a gymnasium with an elevated walking track, and the food service and cafeteria area with access to Spartan Plaza, an outdoor seating area and potential classroom space," a release said. "The west side of the building will be two stories with a state-of-the-art auditorium, media spaces, music and choral class spaces and maker spaces."