Somerville’s next school building project will address the needs of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and potentially the Brown School. Partnering with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) offers the City and school district the potential to receive state funding to offset a significant portion (approximately 50%) of the cost of the project.
Key Dates
- Community engagement (survey and focus groups) – Late summer/fall 2025
- Funding the project (debt exclusion ballot question) – Expected November 2027
- Completion of construction – Anticipated late 2031
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In 2023, the City requested approval to apply for funding for two school renovation or rebuilding projects: the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and the Benjamin Brown School.
The MSBA gave us three answers:
- Winter Hill application was approved to advance: The City was invited by the MSBA to proceed with applying for funding for one project: to renovate or rebuild the Winter Hill Community Innovation School, which was unexpectedly closed in June 2023.
- Brown School application was declined: The MSBA declined to allow us to apply for a project to renovate or rebuild the Brown School.
- But, MSBA offered Somerville the option to combine schools: However, the MSBA gave Somerville the option to build one school that could serve the needs of the two schools: both the Winter Hill School and the Brown School.
Due to the high projected costs of major school building projects, the City relies on funding and support from outside sources, primarily the MSBA, to fund these projects. The MSBA provides a portion of eligible funds, and the City is responsible for funding the remainder of the project. To receive funding from the MSBA, the City must follow a series of required steps outlined on this page.
We’ve worked with the MSBA before most recently to build the new Somerville High School. To find details about our previous project, Somerville High School, please visit www.shsproject.org.
Want to learn how the MSBA works? Visit our FAQs page or read this explanation about the process.
Latest News
The City of Somerville has selected PMA Consultants (PMA) to serve as the Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) on its work to deliver a new state-of-the-art PK-8 school building. PMA will provide strategic guidance and oversee the project Feasibility Study and, contingent upon successful progression/MSBA approval, design through the completion of construction.
The Massachusetts School Building Authority approved the selection, and PMA was successfully contracted in late May. The City’s decision to work with PMA continues a successful partnership between the two organizations as PMA served as the OPM throughout design and construction of Somerville High School.
As the next step in the process, the City and PMA will work to select a design/architecture firm to advance the project.
Read about the most recent updates on the school building project:
What’s Next?
Hiring a Designer: The City and PMA will work to select a design/architecture firm to advance the project.
Survey & Focus Groups: Watch for a survey and focus groups coming late summer and early fall to seek your input on the new school project. We’ll keep you posted.
School Construction Advisory Group (CAG): Residents, parents, and community members on the CAG are developing a recommendation for the Mayor on the scope and location of the project. This recommendation will be delivered in November of this year. You can attend CAG meetings and reach out to members to share your input.
Upcoming Events
The Advisory Group will meet the 2nd Monday of every month. All meetings will be open to the public and will include a designated comment period toward the end of the meeting.
Date: NOTE – the June meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, June 17, 2025 from 6-8:30 p.m.
This month’s meeting will be virtual-only. To attend, visit
https://cbi-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Yd9hXIz1SzCtaRiXx5ZEDg