Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, 11/5/25

MSBA Invites Masconomet into Feasibility Study Phase for Roof Replacement and HVAC Conversion Project

On Wednesday, Oct. 29, the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts School Building Authority invited Masconomet Middle School and Masconomet High School into the schematic design phase its Accelerated Repair Program. The Masconomet Regional School District submitted a proposal in April to replace the roof, and convert the heating/cooling systems to heat pumps at the Middle and High Schools. The Accelerated Repair Program supports improving learning environments for children and teachers, reducing energy use, and generating cost savings for districts.

The roof and heating/cooling systems have been identified as in need of repair or replacement for several years. The roof was last replaced in 2001, with an expected 20-year lifespan. The District completed extensive short-term repairs to the roof in 2019 that were expected to last approximately five years. 

Inconsistent heating/cooling has greatly interrupted the District’s ability to create conditions conducive to learning. The two current boilers in the Middle School are approximately 60 years old and in danger of failing. The High School’s boilers were installed in 2001. The lack of a functioning HVAC control system also hinders the ability to maintain appropriate classroom temperatures.

Replacing the current HVAC system with heat pumps will eliminate current issues with inconsistent heating and add the ability to provide air conditioning to all classroom spaces. Furthermore, new building systems will reduce energy costs and support ongoing conservation efforts. The project is expected to extend the life of the building for at least another 20 years.

“The District has been doing its best to keep up, but these systems are failing. Assistant Superintendent Jeff Sands and HVAC Technician Keith Starosciak have worked tirelessly to ensure our HVAC systems have remained operational. We’ve been very fortunate to have not had a catastrophe such as losing a boiler in the winter, where we would have to close school for multiple days,” Superintendent Michael Harvey said. “I would like to thank Mr. Sands and Mr. Starosciak for their work in developing our Statement of Interest submittal to the MSBA.  We’re grateful that the MSBA has accepted us into the Accelerated Repair Program, which will help us address these issues and be able to concentrate on education once again.”

 By entering the program, Masconomet can expect MSBA grant funding to significantly reduce the impact on taxpayers.

Voters in Boxford, Middleton, and Topsfield will be asked to support the funding for the schematic design phase at their spring Annual Town Meetings.  If approved, the District will develop schematic drawings and cost estimates for the roof replacement and HVAC work over the next 14 months.

8th Grade Parent Night at Masconomet High School on 11/13

On Thursday, November 13th, we invite parents of prospective 9th grade students to attend our annual 8th Grade Open House. This event is designed to help students and families joining the Masconomet Regional High School for the 2026–2027 school year to learn more about what we have to offer.

During the evening, you will hear from the principal, meet department heads, and explore some of the many clubs, activities, and athletic teams available at Masconomet.

Track Replacement and Softball and Tennis Facility Upgrade Project Update

Earlier this week, Asst. Superintendent Jeff Sands and I met with the design team from Vision Sports Design to review the latest draft design for renovations to our outdoor track, softball fields and tennis courts.  These plans include elements to address handicap access issues around the stadium and bring our softball facilities in line with baseball.  The plans will be reviewed with the School Committee’s Capital and Budget Working Group on November 21^st and with the full School Committee this winter. 

Parent Coffee Schedule

This year, we will again be hosting as series of parent coffees on Friday mornings at 8:30 AM. These coffees are an opportunity for members of the public to meet with school principals, members of the District Administrative Team and me to ask questions and discuss issues that concern the Masconomet District. Our next scheduled Parent Coffees will be held at the High School on November 14 and at the Middle School on November 21. All Parent Coffees are from 8:30 to 9:30 AM. Parents should report to the main office of their respective schools to check in for the parent coffee.

Please click here for the list of Principal’s Coffee Dates for the 2025-2026 School Year.

School Cancellation Notification Procedures

As we enter the winter season and the possibility of inclement weather, I wanted to share with you our procedures for communicating school cancellations and delayed openings.   

School cancellation or delayed opening announcements will first be communicated through “passive” means, such as Instagram and local news media outlets and then later through direct telephone contact through our Blackboard Communication System.

Once the decision is made to cancel or delay the start of school, it will be communicated through the following outlets:

Direct Contact Communications through Blackboard via telephone and email should be sent out prior to 8:30 PM if a decision to close or delay school has been reached on the evening prior or at 6:00 AM if a decision is made on the morning of the cancellation or delayed opening.

All Media Communications will be sent out as soon as a decision has been made regardless of the time, and should be before 5:30 AM on the morning of the cancellation/delay.

Instagram:  follow @masconometsuper.  This will always be the first place for school cancellation and delayed opening announcements.

• WBZ TV (Channel 4) and WBZ Radio 1030 AM.  www.cbsboston.com
• WCVB (Channel 5) www.wcvb.com
• WHDH (Channel 7) www.whdh.com
• WYCN (Channel 10) www.nbcboston.com
• WFXT (Channel 25) www.myfoxboston.com
• NECN www.necn.com

Masconomet Website on the home page under “Superintendent News and Announcements.” www.masconomet.org

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