by Jen Oemig
CHELMSFORD – A partial roof replacement project for South Row Elementary School in Chelmsford has officially been accepted into the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) Accelerated Repair Program.
The project was one of 70 proposals from 37 districts across the Commonwealth to receive unanimous approval during the MSBA’s board meeting on Wednesday morning, Oct. 30.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the MSBA and its Board of Directors for accepting South Row Elementary School into its Accelerated Repair Program,” said Dr. Jay Lang, Chelmsford’s Superintendent of Schools. “The funding and assistance provided through this program are invaluable in helping us make necessary repairs to extend the life expectancy of our facilities.”
The MSBA’s Accelerated Repair Program focuses on the preservation of existing assets by performing energy-efficient and cost-saving upgrades, resulting in direct operational savings for school districts. For 2024, the MSBA invited project proposals for partial or full replacement of roofs and windows/doors.
“I was proud to support this project and was elated to see the MSBA act favorably on Chelmsford’s application during Wednesday’s meeting to bring vital state dollars to the South Row School,” said Representative Simon Cataldo. “By addressing the pressing infrastructure needs of South Row, we are ensuring that the district can provide the best possible learning environment to maintain the excellent educational quality for students in Chelmsford Public Schools.”
The plan for South Row includes replacing 40,120 square feet (76%) of the current roof.
“The majority of the South Row roof is a flat built-up roof with a gravel layer and is 26 years old,” explained Christine Clancy, Chelmsford’s Director of Public Works. “The average life expectancy of a roof is 20-25 years.”
Clancy said the Town of Chelmsford will be seeking roof replacements for a number of other buildings over the next five to 10 years, so looking for alternative funding opportunities for this particular project was important.
“The MSBA, through its accelerated repair program, allows municipalities to apply for roof replacements if a roof is at least 25 years old,” she said. “The South Row roof replacement was an ideal candidate.”
Funding for the schematic design of the partial roof replacement was approved during Fall Annual Town Meeting last week. The Town has been authorized to transfer $100,000 from free cash to be expended on that aspect of the project.
Design work will proceed in 2025, with construction expected to begin in the summer of 2026.
The section of roof that will be replaced has solar panels on it that were installed in 2014; the project will include removing and resetting those.
Clancy said the Department of Public Works anticipates a total project cost of approximately $1.2 million, with the MSBA ultimately reimbursing about 50% of that amount.
