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Scituate’s new school building project is moving forward with a contractor selected, a groundbreaking date set, and a significant cost savings for taxpayers.
At the Aug. 25 School Committee meeting, Director of Business and Finance Thomas Raab confirmed that Brait Builders of Marshfield was the low bidder and recommended contractor for the project. The company’s bid of $78.2 million includes an alternate to add a turf field.
“The recommendation tonight is to vote for Brait Builders as our general contractor and they’re hot to trot,” Raab said. “They want to get going. They’re ready to go.”
The contract price comes in well below earlier projections. “We really are saving about $16 million from the original bid,” Raab said. “The good news is that’s money the town won’t have to borrow. That’ll be a positive impact to the taxpayers.”
The School Committee unanimously approved the contract.
The project remains on schedule, with completion targeted for September 2027. Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with temporary playgrounds installed at Hatherly to ensure student access during the building process.
A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Oct. 6, with participation from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, town officials, students, and community members.
The project faced a small complication as electrical subcontractor bids are being contested at the Attorney General’s office. Raab said the issue would not delay awarding the general contract.
“It doesn’t impact our ability to award a general contractor,” he said. “At the end of the day, we’ve been working very closely with town counsel to make sure that we are well represented.”
The new school is scheduled for completion in March 2027, followed by outfitting and demolition of the old building. The facility is expected to open to students in September 2027.