SPRINGFIELD, MA — State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”) and Jack McCarthy, MSBA Executive Director, today joined state and local officials at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Elias Brookings Elementary School. The MSBA is contributing 100% of eligible expenses in this $27.9 million project. The previous Brookings School was severely damaged in the June 1, 2011, tornado that struck Springfield and other communities in Western Massachusetts.

“The MSBA and Springfield continue to work to provide a strong educational foundation for students in an efficient and sustainable way," Treasurer Goldberg said. "Our continued partnership with the City has produced a 21st century facility that will serve 320 students for generations to come.”

The new Brookings Elementary School is a 64,800 square foot facility serving pre-Kindergarten through grade 5. The school features dedicated art and music rooms and a state-of-the-art media center.

“As a result of the successful collaboration between the MSBA and the District, Brookings students will get a completely up-to-date learning environment,” said Executive Director McCarthy.

The MSBA partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally appropriate, flexible, sustainable and cost-effective public school facilities. Since its 2004 inception, the Authority has made over 1,500 site visits to more than 250 school districts as part of its due diligence process and has made over $11.3 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.

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