In April 2023, the Town of Chelmsford and the Chelmsford Public Schools (the “District”) submitted a Statement of Interest (SOI) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to address critical educational and facility-related challenges. In December 2024, the MSBA formally invited the District to participate in a Feasibility Study. This important step allows the community and the MSBA to work together to explore long-term options and reach a mutually agreed-upon solution that is both cost-effective and educationally appropriate.

The SOI outlined several urgent needs facing the District. Overcrowding remains a serious issue, limiting instructional flexibility and the District’s ability to accommodate future enrollment. Many of the existing modular classrooms—originally intended as temporary structures—have exceeded their useful life. Additionally, the current school configuration has led to inequities in program space among schools, making it difficult to provide a consistent educational experience for all middle school students. The building layout, particularly the organization of classrooms in the lower level, has no corridors, which poses challenges for effective teaching and learning.

From a facility standpoint, the building—originally constructed in 1965 and opened in 1967—is outdated and deteriorating. While limited upgrades have occurred over the years, most of the major systems, including electrical, HVAC, and plumbing, are original to the structure and in need of full replacement. Many areas within the school, such as corridors, internal conference rooms, and the gymnasium, lack proper ventilation. The electrical infrastructure, including subpanels, lighting systems, the fire alarm panel, and the emergency generator, no longer meets current building codes and must be replaced. The building also lacks a full sprinkler system, raising safety concerns.

Furthermore, any substantial renovation would trigger requirements for full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the implementation of a fully automated fire suppression system. The school’s exterior also suffers from deficiencies that would need to be addressed as part of any comprehensive solution.

Ultimately, maintaining the status quo is no longer a viable option. The building has outlived its intended lifespan and can no longer support the needs of delivering a modern educational program. This project represents a necessary investment in the future of Chelmsford’s students—ensuring they learn in safe, healthy, equitable, and up-to-date environments that reflect the high standards of education our community expects and deserves.

The project is currently in the feasibility study phase, which involves a detailed analysis of potential solutions in close collaboration with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). This study is expected to be completed by December 2027 and submitted to the MSBA for review.

The MSBA is anticipated to vote on and approve the proposed project in February 2028. Once approved, the project will move forward with local approvals in the spring of 2028.

The exact duration of the design and construction phases will depend on the solution ultimately selected—whether it involves renovating the existing facility, building a new school, or implementing a hybrid of both. Because the final scope and approach have not yet been determined, specific timelines for construction are not yet known.

The total cost of the project will be determined at the conclusion of the feasibility study. This study is a critical step in the process and will evaluate current and projected student enrollment, educational programming needs, and space planning requirements. It will also explore various options—such as new construction, renovation of the existing facility, or a combination of both—to identify the most educationally sound and cost-effective solution. The Project cost will only be known after this comprehensive analysis is complete. However, the District is committed to arriving at a solution that balances educational priorities with long-term value for the community.

If the final solution is a renovation/addition to the existing school, the project will implement modular classrooms to accommodate students while the school undergoes its construction phase. This phased approach would maintain a safe and functional learning environment throughout construction.

If new construction is determined to be the most appropriate path, the new school would likely be built on open space on existing fields adjacent to the property, or at the [what is the correct name of these fields] along Graniteville Road. This approach allows the current school to remain fully operational during construction. Once the new building (if this is the chosen solution) is complete and occupied, the old school would be demolished, and the vacated area could then be transformed into fields, play areas, or other school/community-oriented space.

The Town of Chelmsford/ District is partnering with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) on the Colonel Parker Middle School Building project. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”) is a quasi-independent government authority created to reform the process of funding capital improvement projects in the Commonwealth’s public schools. The MSBA strives to work with local communities to create affordable, sustainable, and energy-efficient schools across Massachusetts. For more information on the MSBA, please click here.

The School Building Committee (SBC) is committed to an inclusive, transparent process. As the project progresses, there will be considerable opportunities for public input and community engagement, including stakeholder surveys and public meetings. The project website has information to stay informed, such as relevant news articles, meeting agendas, minutes, and presentations from all public meetings. The project website will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.

PDP – Preliminary Design Program

The Preliminary Design Program (PDP) is an early step in the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process. During this phase, the project team gathers important information about the existing school building, the educational needs of the district, and the goals of the community. This includes analyzing the current facility, reviewing enrollment projections, and beginning to explore a range of possible solutions—such as renovation, new construction, or a combination of both.

The purpose of the PDP is to establish a clear understanding of the problems that need to be solved and to outline the initial options for addressing them. It sets the foundation for the next stages of design and decision-making, all in close collaboration with the MSBA.

 PSR – Preferred Schematic Report

The Preferred Schematic Report (PSR) phase is when the project team, working with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), takes the options developed during the earlier study phase and narrows them down to one recommended solution.

During this phase, the team compares the pros and cons of each option—such as cost, educational benefits, construction impact, and long-term value—and selects the option that best meets the needs of the school, students, and community. The PSR clearly outlines this preferred solution and includes more detailed information about the proposed building size, layout, estimated cost, and how the school will support educational goals.

The PSR is then submitted to the MSBA for review and approval before the project moves into more detailed design work.

 FS – Feasibility Study

The Feasibility Study is one of the most important early phases of a school building project. It is a structured process, done in partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), to understand the current condition of the school, identify the educational needs of students, and explore a range of possible solutions.

During this phase, the project team collects detailed information about the existing building, including its physical condition, capacity, and ability to support modern teaching and learning. The team also works with educators and community members to understand future needs and goals. Based on this input, several options are developed and evaluated—such as renovation, new construction, or a combination of both.

The goal of the Feasibility Study is to determine which solution offers the best value for the community while meeting the long-term educational needs of the District. The study concludes with a recommended approach that is submitted to the MSBA for approval.

 SD – Schematic Design

Once a preferred solution is approved by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), the project moves into the Schematic Design phase. In this phase, the design team works closely with the District to begin shaping what the school will actually look like. This includes developing the building layout, determining how different spaces—like classrooms, gyms, cafeterias, and outdoor areas—will be organized, and establishing basic materials and systems to be used.

The goal is to create a clear and realistic vision for the school that supports educational goals and fits within the project’s budget. The result is a detailed conceptual design and updated cost estimate, which are submitted to the MSBA for approval before moving forward.