City Council secures $5M for school energy project and ADA upgrades

A major construction project aimed at upgrading Medford Public Schools is set to move forward, with a budget of nearly $30 million approved during the recent Regular MSC Meeting on April 7, 2025. The project, which includes significant energy efficiency improvements and necessary ADA upgrades, is expected to enhance the learning environment for students while also reducing operational costs.

The initial design phase of the project was estimated at $1.3 million, with a request for $5 million in bonds for phase one construction. The design team, praised for their "heroic efforts," is working diligently to ensure that all components—from procurement to design—are executed on time. The goal is to have the new equipment installed before the school year begins in the fall.

Key components of the project include $500,000 allocated for commissioning new equipment and approximately $619,000 for ADA upgrades, which are essential for compliance with accessibility standards. However, the committee is also seeking variances for an additional $2.3 million in ADA upgrades deemed unnecessary or excessively costly.

The discussion also touched on the potential for solar energy integration into the project. While solar panels were initially considered, they are currently not included due to high costs. However, if the project comes in under budget, there may be an opportunity to add solar installations later. The committee emphasized the importance of understanding the financial implications of such decisions, including potential savings on energy costs.

As the project progresses, the committee is committed to keeping the community informed and engaged, particularly regarding ADA compliance issues that affect daily operations. The approval of this project marks a significant step toward modernizing the school facilities and ensuring they meet the needs of all students.