SPACES DESIGNED FOR STUDENTS
COLLABORATE
Flexible classrooms and team spaces
built for a new way of learning
EXPLORE
Flexible classrooms and team spaces
built for a new way of learning
CREATE
Art, music, and performance spaces
that inspire creativity
CONNECT
Outdoor spaces to relax, explore
and enjoy time with friends
NEXT STEPS IN THE GALVIN MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT
Canton Public Schools (CPS) hosted an official groundbreaking ceremony on September 17, 2026. In attendance was Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, who is also the Chairperson of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), State Sen. Paul Feeney, State Rep. William Galvin, members of the School Building Committee, representatives from project manager LeftField, representatives from Consigli Construction, representatives from Ai3 Architects, CPS staff and administrators, town department and committee leaders, community members, and current GMS students.
“We don’t look at these projects as construction projects with steel and bricks and mortar,” said Goldberg. “The mission of the MSBA, and my entire office, is to create opportunities, and where better to do that than in the schools? For so many kids, their best path to success is through the public schools in Massachusetts, and I feel very strongly that we need to give them the kind of classrooms and the kind of learning opportunities that they deserve in order to set them on a path to have a successful future.”
A common theme heard during remarks was the deep appreciation that CPS has for the support shown to this project from community members.
“We have always viewed the new Galvin Middle School project as more than just a state-of-the-art educational facility; it is a community landmark that showcases the town’s love of its children, families and educators and its investment in excellence and innovation for the generations ahead,” said Folan. “We thank the residents of Canton for supporting this building project and embracing this opportunity with overwhelming enthusiasm.”
Looking forward, next steps in the project include installing underground utilities around the perimeter of the new school, building elevator shafts, pouring concrete slabs, working on the foundation, and erecting steel beams throughout the fall and winter.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Summer usually means vacation time, but the Consigli Construction team tasked with building the new GMS spent the summer of 2026 hard at work. Students, staff and parents will notice the profound transformation which has taken place since late June. The team worked diligently to ensure we opened school on time, safely and smoothly. The extended loop road was built and paved, retaining walls were installed, and 20 geothermal wells have been drilled 800 feet underground. The Canton community thanks the Consigli Construction team for their considerable efforts.
Please visit the “Construction” page for more images and updates.
MUTCH RINK
For many years the Mutch Rink has been a beloved fixture on the GMS grounds. As part of the new GMS project, the rink is being rebuilt and relocated to the Raven Road side of the building. It will reopen for use during the 2029-20230 school year. We were honored to present the Mutch family with the original sign from the rink for their safekeeping.
COMMUNITY FORUM VIDEO
Communicating with the Canton community has been a top priority throughout this process and will continue to remain one. We invite you to watch this video of the School Building Committee Community Forum from June 2026 to learn more. Here you’ll see final renderings of both inside and outside the new GMS, an illustration of the traffic patterns and more. You can also watch how construction will progress while the current GMS remains an active learning facility, and find out what safety precautions are in place.
“As the Canton community knows, this project has been years in the making. We are thrilled to see it start,” said Canton Public Schools Superintendent Derek Folan. “As we move from the stages of planning to actual construction, I want to thank Canton for supporting this project and our students. The new Galvin Middle School will be a state-of-the-art learning facility serving Canton for decades to come.”
Project Timeline and Status
JULY 2029
GMS Building Project Completed (Debt Exclusion Starts)
JULY 2029
New Athletic Fields and Parking Opens
FALL 2028
The Old Galvin Middle School is Torn Down to Build Athletic Fields and Parking
SEPTEMBER 2028
The New Galvin Middle School Opens
JULY 2025
Early Site Enabling Begins With Construction of a Revised Access Road
DECEMBER 2024
Geo-Thermal Test Well Drilling Completed Successfully
DECEMBER 10, 2024
Debt Exclusion Yes Vote by 74.2%
November 18, 2024
Town Meeting was held at the Canton High School and the GMS project recevied a YES vote from residents to fund the project and to have the ballot vote on December 10
AUGUST 28, 2024
The MSBA Board of Directors Approve the Project to enter into a Project Funding Agreement with the MSBA
JUNE 27, 2024
The project team files Schematic Design Submission to the MSBA
Shortcuts
MSBA WEBSITE
Click here for more information about funding and protocols of capital improvement projects in the Commonwealth’s public schools
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Click here for a reference guide to clarify context and meaning to common terms used in the building process for public projects