SWAMPSCOTT — The new elementary school on Whitman Road has received an additional $5.35 million in funding through the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
The facility officially opened its doors on Aug. 28 as it welcomed more than 700 students after a nearly two-year construction process.
The MSBA initially awarded $34.39 million to the school to assist in funding the approximately $100 million in construction costs. The additional $5.35 million was made possible by the allocation of an additional $100 million in the state’s fiscal year 2024 budget to assist in 13 large-scale projects throughout the region that deal with cost issues in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
State Sen. Brendan Crighton said that the money was a large factor in ensuring the project was complete in time for the school year.
“We are thrilled for all the current and future Swampscott students who will get to enjoy these incredible new facilities,” Crighton said. “Thank you to the town and the School Building Committee for all their hard work in completing this successful project.”
School Committee member and School Building Committee Chair Suzanne Wright named Crighton and state Rep. Jenny Armini as driving forces behind securing the extra funds.
“Building this school was a labor of love for the entire Town of Swampscott,” Wright said. “It represents our firm belief that today’s children are tomorrow’s change-makers.”
Students in kindergarten through fourth grade learn throughout the 153,000-square-foot, three-story building. Each grade has its own wing, which each include a variety of learning spaces. Classrooms are equipped with a Promethean interactive board, storage cubbies, and multiple handwashing stations. All nine kindergarten classrooms are equipped with a single-use restroom. Outdoor amenities include a soccer field, basketball half-court, community garden, and two playgrounds.
The school’s leadership will be hosting a dedication and celebration ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m.
