NEXT STEPS IN THE GALVIN MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT
Our team is busy “behind-the-scenes” as we get closer to breaking ground on the new Galvin Middle School (GMS). The working team consists of Canton Public School (CPS) administrators and representatives from Ai3 Architects, Consigli Construction, and various town departments.
Here’s a quick look at what’s been going on and things to look forward to:
- The team will be submitting additional documents to the MSBA – Massachusetts School Building Authority. Known as the 90% construction documents this includes a binder with a complete set of project drawings and a project manual. This is due to the MSBA by March 20, 2026.
- We are working with the town to secure all necessary construction permits.
- Signage packages are being developed, and work on the color palette has begun.
- Several important steps are scheduled for the summer of 2026:
- The Kevin T. Mutch rink will be demolished – a new rink will be built at another spot on the site.
- Crews will erect fencing around the site perimeter
- Construction of a loop road for construction vehicles will begin.
Since the new GMS will include fifth-grade students, we have a team working on making sure transitioning to this new learning model is successful for students and staff. CPS Assistant Superintendent of Schools Sarah Shaw and GMS Principal Jonathan Mulhern are leading this Grade 5-8 Transition Working Group. The group has consulted with superintendents from communities that also added fifth grade to their middle schools (Foxboro, Medway and Norwood).
Those informational talking sessions with area principals allowed the group to hear about the structures in place for those particular schools and ask questions to begin to formulate how those structures might translate into the new Galvin Middle School.
The group is focusing on six major areas – Staffing, Schedules, Transportation, Special Services, Curriculum and Student Life
“We anticipate that Canton residents will notice a lot of additional ‘action’ at the project site this summer,” said Superintendent Derek Folan. “This work includes the construction of the geothermal wells which will both heat and cool this state-of-the-art building. We are proud of the work being done and share in the town’s excitement to see the new GMS open to students in the fall of 2028.”
Watch the video put together by Consigli showing the logistics of the construction project.
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
