In 2016, consultant STV, Incorporated completed a survey condition report and analysis of the district’s 12 school buildings currently in use. In its report, STV specifically noted that the Peck school—which was built in 1973 and currently serves around 645 students in grades 4-8—should no longer be used to educate students. This recommendation is based in part on the aging physical condition of the building’s exterior, mechanical systems, and interior finishes that would be costly to repair or update. The report noted that Peck “is poorly organized and difficult to navigate, which means it is difficult to supervise and control. There are a few internalized classrooms that do not receive direct natural light, and the building is all-electric which makes it expensive to operate.” Replacement parts are no longer available to maintain and upgrade the building’s electrical systems.

The report also noted that Peck’s original octagonal design “results in irregularly shaped classrooms, and internalized classrooms without natural light. The ring-shaped corridors are also lacking natural light. The overall experience is disorienting; the faculty and administration report difficulty managing the space with such short and poor sightlines. Many of the classrooms and corridors were originally separated by moveable partitions that no longer function and have poor acoustic performance. Windows in the classrooms are typically small; the original glazing was replaced with polycarbonate that is scratched, discolored, and no longer transparent.” 

This 2018 video provides a visual tour of the Peck school, noting deficiencies in both the building’s design and condition.

Despite this demonstrated need to replace Peck school, in 2019 Holyoke residents rejected a proposal that would have allowed Holyoke to build two new middle schools.

After the city’s analysis demonstrated that Holyoke can afford one new middle school building under the existing tax structure, City Councilors voted unanimously on April 6, 2021 to apply to the Massachusetts School Building Authority seeking support and funding to build one middle school for 550 students. The City of Holyoke, Holyoke Public Schools, and the MSBA then worked together to secure funding to build a new middle school for approximately 550 students in grades 6-8.

Holyoke Public Schools also undertook a rezoning effort to create distinct elementary and middle schools beginning fall 2023, while also reimagining its middle school program to strengthen educational learning opportunities for students in grades 6-8.

In June 2023, the City Council and Massachusetts School Building Authority unanimously approved funding their portions MSBA has agreed to reimburse $46 million of the cost, leaving the City of Holyoke responsible for the remaining $40 million of the total $85,504,592 cost.  During spring 2023 meetings, the Holyoke City Council was provided detailed information about the project, including financing and the city’s other financial obligations. Those presentations can be found here:

• April 26, 2023

• May 24, 2023

In October 2023, the MSBA notified Holyoke officials that they will provide additional reimbursement up to a maximum of $58.4 million as a result of additional school funding authorized by the legislature. Therefore, the estimated City’s share is $27 million--or 32% of total project cost. Additionally, the demolition and construction bids have come in under budget, so it’s expected that the total cost to the City will be less than $27 million.

The Peck building closed at the end of the 2022-23 school year, with demolition to begin in late summer or fall 2023. Sullivan School, Holyoke STEM, and Metcalf Middle School will serve students in grades 6-8 beginning in fall 2023. The new school will be built at the Peck site between August and December 2025. Students assigned to Holyoke STEM and Metcalf Middle will then attend the new school built on the site of Peck School.

• Fall/Winter 2024: Identify name for new school building (being led by a subcommittee of the School Committee)

• 2024-25 school year: Identify staff and plan for successful new school opening. 

• Spring 2025: Connect with students and families who will be attending the new school. 

• Fall/Winter 2025: New school opens.

• May 4, 2020: Holyoke submitted a Statement of Interest (SOI) to the MSBA to replace the Peck building.

• April 6, 2021: City Council passed a resolution to demonstrate support for a 550-student middle school building and that the City had the capacity to afford the construction.

• April 14, 2021: The MSBA accepted the SOI for the Peck School and invited Holyoke into the MSBA’s Eligibility Period. 

• September 2021: The School Building Committee (SBC) begins meeting 1-2 times per month to shape and direct the middle school building project.

• October 18, 2021: HPS School Committee hears report and recommendations from the Middle Grades Collaborative Study Team. Video (report begins at 1:36 mark). Read the presentation in English or Spanish.

• February 15, 2022:  Members of the Holyoke City Council voted 9-4 in favor of funding $475,000 for a feasibility study. 

• April 27, 2022: The MSBA voted to partner with Holyoke to conduct a feasibility study for replacing the William R. Peck School. As part of its invitation, the MSBA voted to proceed into the schematic design phase as well..

• May 2022: Holyoke submitted an updated educational program to the MSBA. 

• August 2022: Holyoke hired Anser Advisory to be the Owner’s Project Manager (OPM). The OPM provides project management guidance and expertise throughout the life of the project.

• September 14, 2022: Holyoke presented the revised Educational Plan to the MSBA’s Facilities Assessment Subcommittee and received positive comments.

• September 28, 2022: MSBA and Holyoke had a meeting to launch the Model School process.

• November 17, 2022: The School Building Committee (SBC) conducted interviews with three architecture/design firms: Flansburgh, Jones Whitsett, and Mount Vernon Group. Note: On December 9, 2022, Jones Whitsett sent a letter to the Mayor, withdrawing from consideration.

• January 12, 2023: The SBC conducted second-round interviews with two design firms: Flansburgh and Mount Vernon Group. The SBC voted (11-2) to move forward with negotiations with Mount Vernon Group.

• January 30, 2023: The contract between the City of Holyoke and Mount Vernon Group for schematic design services of $265,000 was signed. Note: The $265,000 is part of the $475,000 that the City Council previously appropriated to move the project forward.

• April 18, 2023: City Council refers middle school building project to the Finance Committee.

• April 26, 2023: Discussion about the middle school at the City Council Finance Committee

• April 27, 2023: Schematic design submitted to the MSBA

• May 10, 2023: Discussion about the middle school at the City Council Finance Committee  

• May 24, 2023: The City Council Finance Committee voted unanimously in support of the proposed new school

• June 6, 2023: The City Council voted unanimously in support of funding the proposed new school

• June 21, 2023: The MSBA voted unanimously in support of funding the Holyoke school

• Summer 2023: Solicit bids for demolition of existing Peck School and select a firm.

• September 2023: Selected American Environmental for demolition work. Began demolition of existing Peck School.

• November 2023: Solicit bids for construction.

• December 2023: Complete construction documents and submit to MSBA.

• February 2024: Complete demolition of existing Peck School. 

• February 2024: Selected Fontaine Bros. as the construction company.

• March 8, 2024: Groundbreaking at middle school building site