BPS spokesperson responds to Banner questions on BCLA-McCormack merger

Yawu Miller

Yawu Miller is the former senior editor of the Bay State Banner. He has written for the Banner since 1988.... VIEW BIO

Has a contractor been selected for the renovations to the McCormack building?

BPS: Not yet. The project is currently out to bid. Bids are due in July and will be enacted following the completion of the bid process.

What’s the scope of the work?

BPS: The work includes renovations to three existing classrooms and a storage room.

When completed the finished spaces will provide the school with two new high school level science labs that can be utilized for biology, chemistry and physics; a new science prep room for preparing experiments and storage of lab materials; and a new life skills room.

The new life skills room will have general classroom space; two outfitted residential style kitchens (stove, oven, dishwasher, sinks); laundry room with wash and dryer; small bedroom area; and an accessible toilet room. These rooms will also be equipped with new HVAC systems, electrical and finishes.

Will there be any additional space? For a larger gymnasium? Auditorium? Library?

BPS: The McCormack building has a full size gym already. They will also have use of the auditorium at the Dever school which is connected to the McCormack building by a bridge.

How much is BPS spending on this renovation?

BPS: There are two anticipated phases. Phase 1 work is estimated at $1,500,000. Phase 2 estimates are not available at this time.

Will McCormack students still go into a swing space?

BPS: Not for Phase 1. There is adequate space within the school for this work to take place without displacing students.

At what date will the work be completed?

BPS: We cannot estimate at this time.

How many students will the building accommodate?

BPS: In the past the enrollment of the McCormack Middle School has been as high as 750 students.

Is there any formal agreement between UMass Boston and the district to share access to the university’s athletic fields?

BPS: UMass representatives have been working very closely with the BCLA/McCormack design team over the last year.