The MSBA process will require the project team to study a new building, renovating & adding to the existing, or do a code upgrade of the existing building, as part of the Feasibility study process. It will be up to the Town of Canton and the stakeholders to decide what option is the best one for the students, faculty and community.

The William H. Galvin Middle School and Canton Public Schools is working with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) on the Middle School Building project. The MSBA is a quasi-independent government agency that funds capital improvement projects in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ public schools. The MSBA “work[s] with local communities to create affordable, sustainable, and energy-efficient schools across Massachusetts.” It has a dedicated revenue stream of one penny of the Commonwealth’s 6.25 percent sales tax. Since 2004, the MSBA has made more than $15.6B in reimbursement payments to school districts for school construction projects.

The GMS SBC is charged with coordinating and facilitating the design and construction of a new or renovated school. There are nineteen voting members of the SBC, which consist of Public Schools staff and elected officials, as well as community members with experience in the building/construction and education industries. Please visit the project team page to review a list of SBC members.

This project is expected to take anywhere from five to seven years given the rigorous and multi-step process the MSBA requires. The process began in March 2022 when the MSBA invited Galvin Middle School into the Eligibility Period following the submittal of a Statement of Interest (SOI). It is anticipated that construction or renovation of Galvin Middle School, at the earliest, may begin in 2025 with project completion in 2027/2028. Final Project Schedule will be determined in a later design phase.

Cost Estimates will be conducted throughout the Feasibility Study. A total project cost will be determined during the Schematic design phase ahead of a Town vote to proceed with the project. The MSBA reimbursement rates are dependent upon various socioeconomic factors, as well as limitations related to square footage, with a minimum base rate of 31 percent up to a maximum of 80 percent. Several factors can increase the MSBA’s reimbursement rate, including a community income factor, community property factor and community poverty factor. Historically, the MSBA’s reimbursement rate covers approximately 30-60 percent of the total project cost. The remaining costs will be funded through a municipal bond that will be paid throughout a thirty-year period.

The SBC and Canton Public Schools are committed to an inclusive, transparent process. As the project progresses, there will be considerable opportunities for public input and community engagement, including stakeholder surveys and public meetings. The project website has information to stay informed, such as relevant news articles, meeting agendas, minutes and presentations from the SBC meetings. The project website will be updated regularly as new information is available. SBC meetings are also posted regularly and open to the public. Please direct any further questions to the Project Email: (info@galvinmsproject.com). You can also sign up to the newsletter on the Home Page.