Holyoke Mayor Josh Garcia says it is a done deal.
The Massachusetts School Building Authority has agreed to pay some 46 million dollars of the 85 million dollars needed for a new middle school.
When the new facility is completed in the fall or winter of 2025 then it will hold about 550 students between grades six and eight.
“While there are many steps we must take between now and when the new middle school is ready to occupy in fall or winter 2025, today marks the turning point between our vision for Holyoke’s future and the reality that can now come to life,” said Holyoke Public Schools Superintendent Anthony Soto. “The time is right for Holyoke to build this new school, and we appreciate the support of everyone who brought us to this day. Our vision for Holyoke—this new reality for Holyoke—is only possible because people throughout our community believed our students need and deserve this, and they worked tirelessly both individually and cooperatively to help make it happen. Thank you, all.”
The new facility will replace the current Peck Middle School, which consultants say is antiquated.