AMHERST — Amherst’s plans for constructing a new three-story elementary school for K-5 students at the current Fort River School site can proceed, based on a vote by the Massachusetts School Building Authority Wednesday.
The state board, chaired by Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, authorized the town and public schools, through its Elementary School Building Committee, to continue toward a preferred schematic design for the consolidated school that would replace the aging Fort River and Wildwood schools in fall 2026.
That design is expected to make the school a net-zero building that will use ground source heat and photovoltaics, as well as make extensive use of natural light and outdoor learning spaces.
“Thanks to our collaborative work with local officials, we are working to build a 21st-century educational facility that will provide Amherst students with a top-notch learning environment,” Goldberg said in a statement.
Schools Superintendent Michael Morris expressed appreciation for the collaboration between the schools, town and communities that will lead to a better setting for education.
“I am so pleased to see this essential project take the next step in the MSBA process that can lead to a greatly improved learning environment for our wonderful students and outstanding staff,” Morris said.
Town Council President Lynn Griesemer called the decision a significant step forward for Amherst and credited the Elementary School Building Committee and its chairwoman, District 1 Councilor Cathy Schoen.
As part of the arrangement to educate 575 students in the new building, the state agency is also approving the relocation of all sixth-grade students in the town’s three elementary schools, including those at Crocker Farm, to the Amherst Regional Middle School for fall 2023.
The elementary school project will depend on Amherst voters approving a Proposition 2½ debt-exclusion vote, likely to be scheduled for next spring by the Town Council.
Once the design is submitted, in December, the town will get a total project cost from MSBA and what the state will contribute for a reimbursement. Preliminary estimates are for the building to cost more than $100 million.
Since its 2004 inception, MSBA has made over 1,750 site visits to more than 250 school districts as part of its due diligence process and has made over $16 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
