Medford schools approve Roberts Elementary HVAC design for MSBA bid

School Committee · Meeting of August 24, 2026

Medford schools clear $22.8 million Roberts HVAC design ahead of state deadline. The School Committee voted 7-0 Monday to approve a schematic design combining a $2.77 million roof replacement with full HVAC electrification at Roberts Elementary, positioning the district to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority by Aug. 27 for an October 28 funding vote. The city's expected share after a 53.32 percent MSBA reimbursement is $11,672,200.

Chair Breanna Lungo-Koehn questioned earlier estimates, telling staff "this is double the price from what I was expecting." Members also reallocated $460,000 in capital funds to school repairs, honored retiring Director of Student Services Joan Bowen after 33 years, adopted a revised wellness policy, and passed a resolution opposing federal cuts to the E-Rate program, which funds $278,330 a year in Medford school connectivity. Secretary Paul Ruseau called the proposed cuts "another attempt to end public education as an actual institution."

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,944 words

Source: the School Committee meeting of August 24, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.