State funding for new schools is coming
Published on December 22nd, 1999
STONEHAM, MA - State reimbursement for Stoneham's four new elementary schools appears to be on schedule according to Senator Richard Tisei.
The local lawmaker's optimism comes as a result of the Department of Education's (DOE) release of the FY 2001 Priority list for the upcoming year. The list, which prioritizes school construction projects for the Commonwealth, was finalized last week after being approved by the Massachusetts Board of Education. Stone-ham's New South Elementary School ranked 19th on the priority list and New Central Elementary came in at number 41. Stoneham's two other projects, the Robin Hood Elementary School and Colonial Park Elementary School are 51 and 57 respectively.
While Tisei feels as though funding for the New South and New Central is a certainty, he is more cautious regarding reimbursement for Robin Hood and Colonial Park. "In February the budget process for FY2001 will begin. If the SBAB is level funded then it is likely that the Robin Hood and Colonial Park projects would be reimbursed. However, this year a record amount of money was put into the SBAB program and next year the legislature would have to appropriate approximately $43 million, which would mean that approximately 59 projects would be able to be reimbursed for FY 2002.
"Stoneham is in good shape, because even if the appropriation for 2001 does not reach the Robin Hood and Colonial Park, those schools will certainly be funded in FY 2002 appropriations and they will be at the top of the priority list at that time," said Tisei. "I will work as hard as I can to make sure that all of these schools get built and that the town is reimbursed in a timely manner. Providing adequate resources for the SBAB is one of my top priorities and it is great to see so many new schools and school renovations in Stone-ham."
The construction of school buildings is facilitated by the School Building Assistance Act (SBA), which is designed to help communities undertake school building projects by having the state assume a significant portion of the costs associated with the construction or renovation of school buildings. Stoneham will receive 63 percent of the cost of these projects back from the Commonwealth.
Subscribe and get Home Delivery of The Independent
Save 36% off the newstand price — that's like 18 FREE issues!