Boston Council Panel Advances $17.2 Million BPS School Repair Appropriation

BOSTON — November 16, 2023 — Boston's Ways and Means Committee advanced a $17,175,000 appropriation for repairs at four Boston Public Schools, with full council votes expected November 29 and December 13. The request, filed as Docket 1574 and sponsored by Mayor Michelle Wu, covers boiler replacements at Jeremiah E. Burke High School and Dennis C. Haley Pilot School, a roof replacement at Dr. William W. Henderson Inclusion Upper School, and window and door replacements at English High School — the oldest of which date back 52 years. The Massachusetts School Building Authority approved a total project budget of $18.5 million on October 25 and is expected to reimburse the city upward of $9.7 million, roughly half the total. Public Facilities Department Director Carrie Griffin and project managers Brian McLaughlin and Lisa Schwab presented the scope; the presiding councilor noted the matter was "pretty straightforward" and said no colleagues had joined the remote hearing. Construction is anticipated for summer 2025.