Looking for answers to commonly asked questions? Read on. Have a question not found here? Contact newpkto8@somervillema.gov. This page is updated as new information arises.
Why are we building a new school?
Both the Winter Hill and the Brown School are in need of replacement or significant renovation in order to meet the needs of our students. The Winter Hill School, which opened in 1974, has had several issues throughout its history and is currently closed with students attending classes at the Edgerly Education Center. The Brown School is over 100 years old, and we must plan for its modernization.
What options are being explored?
The City is currently working with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to secure state funding for this project. The MSBA has offered the City two options for this construction project:
- build to accommodate the needs of the WHCIS only, or
- build a larger single school to address the needs of both the WHCIS and Brown School.
How will we pay for a new school?
The City is currently working with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to obtain state funding. The MSBA would fund approximately half of the project, and the City would fund the other half.
Even with funding from the state, the City will need to raise property taxes to pay for a new school, as it did for the new Somerville High School. This would require voters approve a property tax increase called an override.
Even with the state funding approximately 40-50% of the project’s cost through the MSBA, the City will need to borrow money and increase property taxes to pay for a new school. This would require voters to vote to approve a property tax increase called a debt exclusion. We currently anticipate the vote on a debt exclusion would take place in the fall of 2027.
When do we expect a new school to be open?
At this stage, we anticipate construction of a new school building could be completed by late 2031 barring unforeseen circumstances.
What does the planning process involve?
Projects of this scale must undergo a multi-year planning and design process, followed by approximately 3 years of construction. Additionally, the MSBA has a defined process and timeline for participating cities. It is important to note that we are currently on track and moving forward according to the MSBA’s timeline. A full outline of this process and timeline is available at somervillema.gov/msba.
Where will the new school be and how will that be decided? / What is the Construction Advisory Group?
The Construction Advisory Group (CAG) has been tasked with developing a recommendation to the Mayor on both the location and scope of a renovated or new school. This includes making a recommendation on whether the project should address the needs of both schools or just the WHCIS, and whether the new school should be located at Sycamore Street or on a portion of Trum field. The Mayor will make a final decision on both the scope and where the new school(s) will be located in early 2026.
Meanwhile, In December 2024, the City’s proposal passed a critical milestone and advanced to the second phase of the MSBA process “Forming the Project Team.” In May, MSBA approved our choice for an Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) to oversee design and construction. Next, the OPM will help us choose a Design/Architecture firm.
When will we know where the school will be and whether it will be combined?
The Construction Advisory Group (CAG) is scheduled to deliver its recommendation to the Mayor this November (2025). The Mayor is committed to faithfully considering their recommendation alongside all other relevant information prior to making a final decision. Once the City has identified its preferred option it will present this to the MBSA for approval (expected early 2026) before moving forward to design.
How can we provide feedback?
Starting late summer 2025 and continuing into September, all community members will be invited to participate in a survey to help inform decisions about the size, scope, and location of the school building project.
The CAG and the City will also host a series of focus groups to dig deeper into specific topics and provide people with an additional forum to share their thoughts and perspectives.
All opportunities to get involved will be shared on this website as well as shared widely through City and SPS channels.
What is the School Building Committee?
Working with City and Somerville Public Schools staff, the SBC monitors and provides technical guidance and fiscal oversight during planning, design, and construction of a new school. The SBC works with City and Somerville Public Schools staff and consultants to oversee project management such as hiring project managers, architects, and construction contractors.
The SBC ensures that detailed plans and designs meet the needs of the school district within budget.
All SBC spending decisions will go to the Mayor and then the City Council for approval.
Members monitor construction to assure adherence with the approved plans and budget.