School Committee Approves $78.2 Million General Contractor for New Elementary School
SCITUATE - August 25 - The Scituate School Committee unanimously approved awarding a construction contract to Brait Builders for $78.2 million to build the district's new elementary school, marking a major milestone that came in nearly $16.4 million under the original budget estimate. The project remains on track for completion in summer 2027 with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for October 6, 2025.
The Full Story
The committee's approval of Brait Builders Corp., a Marshfield-based company, represents the culmination of a competitive bidding process that saw three qualified contractors submit proposals. Brait's winning bid of $78.235 million includes both the base construction and an alternate for a turf field installation. The other two bidders came in at $81.8 million and $82.7 million respectively.
Dr. Thomas Raab, Director of Business and Finance, who presented the school building project update, emphasized the significant cost savings achieved through the bidding process. "All through the spring, starting in January, and then again in March, and in June, we have been seeing the estimates go down," he explained. "We received these bids two weeks ago. And now we're looking at the better part of a $16.4 million reduction" from the original $95.2 million construction budget approved by voters.
The project timeline remains unchanged, with building completion expected in March 2027, followed by six months of interior outfitting and furniture installation. The new school will open for the 2027-2028 school year, after which the existing Hatherly building will be demolished and converted to parking space.
Construction will begin in earnest following the October groundbreaking, which will feature participation from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), town officials, and potentially student choral groups from both Cushing and Hatherly schools. The MSBA will adjust the project funding agreement downward to reflect the cost savings, meaning the state will contribute proportionally less but the town will also need to borrow significantly less money.
One complication has emerged with electrical subcontractor bidding. The lowest electrical bid is being contested by the second and third-place bidders, with the dispute now at the Massachusetts Attorney General's office. However, the AG has given permission to proceed with awarding the general contract while the electrical matter is resolved. If the dispute results in awarding the contract to a higher bidder, the total project cost could increase by $262,000 to $920,000, but would remain well within budget.
Construction preparations at Hatherly Elementary will be extensive. A temporary playground costing approximately $254,000 will be installed in front of the school to replace the existing playground that will be behind the construction fence. The temporary playground, designed for 2-5 years of use, will have 19-20 stations and will be accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In other business, Superintendent Bill Burkhead provided his leadership report highlighting the start of the new school year. The district welcomed 27 new staff members at opening day convocation, while also celebrating veteran teachers reaching milestone years of service - 10 staff at 20 years, 9 at 25 years, and 2 at 30 years. Students in grades 1-12 return Wednesday, August 27th, with pre-K and kindergarten starting September 2nd.
The committee also approved Dr. Raab's fiscal year 2025 budget closeout, which showed the district ended the year with a positive balance of $483.33 after managing various line item transfers. Notable achievements included locking in electricity rates at just one penny per kilowatt hour more through 2029, and securing natural gas rates cheaper than current prices through 2030, providing budget certainty for utilities.
Looking ahead, the committee reviewed and approved a capital improvements plan for fiscal years 2027-2030. Major items include a $1 million high school gymnasium renovation (increased from $750,000 to include sound system and accessibility improvements), $500,000 for an accessible playground at Wampatuck Elementary, $400,000 for converting former preschool space to regular classrooms when preschool moves to the new building, and $1.4 million for high school air conditioning.
The committee also approved surplus declarations for outdated textbooks from English and social studies departments, a broken piano with a cracked soundboard, and 120 student desks and chairs from Jenkins Elementary that are being replaced after 24 years of use.
The meeting concluded with discussion of school committee goals following a retreat and professional development workshop with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. Members agreed to refine their goals to align with the district strategic plan and incorporate specific, measurable targets. The committee also discussed potentially participating in school councils as non-voting advisory members.
Why It Matters
The approval of the general contractor represents the largest single expenditure in Scituate's recent history, but at $16.4 million under budget, it means significantly lower borrowing costs and debt service for taxpayers. The project will consolidate two elementary schools into one modern facility, improving educational environments while reducing long-term operational costs. Construction activity will create temporary disruptions at Hatherly Elementary, but measures are in place to maintain safe school operations throughout the two-year building process.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Recommend town enter into contract with Brait Builders for $78,235,410 for base bid and alternate, with provision for electrical contractor dispute resolution. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 25:48)
Motion: Approve capital improvements plan for fiscal years 2027-2030 with amendments (increasing gym renovation from $750,000 to $1,000,000). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 45:52)
Motion: Approve surplus of English and social studies textbooks. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 49:01)
Motion: Approve surplus of non-working piano from high school performing arts. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 50:00)
Motion: Approve surplus of 120 desks and chairs from Jenkins Elementary. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 51:25)
What's Next
Construction fence installation and site preparation will begin at Hatherly Elementary within 2-3 weeks. The School Building Committee will meet September 24th for project updates. Groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for October 6, 2025. The next School Committee meeting is September 8, 2025, where members will vote on the full meeting calendar for 2025-2026 and may need to reschedule the September 22 meeting due to Rosh Hashanah conflict.
editor's note: automated article experiment
It is great to save money but as someone who is very familiar with the last construction project in Scituate, saving money often means cutting important elements of the project which vex and complicate the lives of the people
Using the spaces for the rest of the time that space is in use.
Hatherly is incorrectly named Hathaway multiple times in the article. In addition, the new elementary school will consolidate 2 not 3 elementary schools into one.