Boston Council Eyes $2.5 Million to Launch Ruth Batson Academy Rebuild Study

BOSTON — October 2, 2025 — Boston City Council holds hearing on $2.5 million feasibility appropriation for Ruth Batson Academy rebuild. The October 2 hearing on Docket 1690 focused on a proposed capital-budget appropriation to hire an owner's project manager and architect for a feasibility study on a new or renovated facility for the 604-student North Dorchester high school, which was formed from the 2024 merger of the Boston Community Leadership Academy and the John W. McCormick School. Carlton Jones of the Public Facilities Department and Senior Project Manager Brian McLaughlin told the council the city entered the Massachusetts School Building Authority's eligibility period July 1, 2025, with MSBA board approval of the full project scope expected in early 2026; a second and larger appropriation for construction is anticipated in fall 2027. Officials submitted a planning enrollment of 1,000 students to the MSBA. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was adjourned without public testimony.