GMS project proponents seek resident support
By Mike Berger
An aerial rendering of the exterior of the proposed new middle school courtesy of Ai3 Architects
“Not a done deal” was the refrain echoed by School Committee member Kristian Merenda and Steve MacPherson, leader of the “Yes for the GMS” campaign, regarding the proposed reconstruction of the Galvin Middle School that will go before voters at a Special Town Meeting on November 18.
The STM ballot question requires a two-thirds majority approval in order to send it to a town-wide election set for December 10. If a majority of voters approve the measure at the election, the project will go to construction.
The proposed new middle school has a total budget of $241 million, of which $72 million will be paid through a reimbursement pledged by the Mass. School Building Authority (MSBA) following an extensive review and design process.
If either the STM or special election vote fails, Canton could reapply for MSBA funding but could face another five to seven years of waiting to get into the queue for consideration.
Merenda, who serves on the GMS Building Committee, and MacPherson, who previously led the push for universal full-day kindergarten in Canton, noted that many residents believe the project has been finalized and their votes are not needed.
School Superintendent Derek Folan and Merenda have been making the rounds at school CAPT meetings, and representatives of the project team will be at the Canton Farmers Market’s Fall Fest on Sunday, October 20, to answer questions and share information about the project. Folan said a community forum has also been scheduled for October 23 starting at 6:30 p.m. at GMS to answer questions and describe project plans.
The project has received the unanimous support of the Select Board along with more recent approvals from the Finance (4-0-1) and Capital Planning (5-0-1) committees.
To learn more about the project, go to galvinmsproject.com or visit the ‘Yes for GMS’ Facebook page. For specific questions about the project, email info@galvinmsproject.com.
In other news from the October 10 School Committee meeting, committee members came away impressed …
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Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=127270
Posted by Mike Berger
on Oct 18 2024. Filed under News, Schools, Town Government.
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