$169M Richer Elementary Project Moves Toward Key Approval Vote

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Residents will have another opportunity Tuesday to learn about the proposed Richer Elementary School building project.

Project officials will present updates on the Richer School Building Project during a public forum on Jun 9 at 6 p.m. at the Marlborough Early Education Center. The meeting will include information on the building's design and the overall project timeline.

The preferred plan calls for a new 159,842-square-foot school designed to serve 950 students, according to the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Construction is estimated at $130.3 million, with the total project cost at $169.2 million.

The current Richer Elementary School opened in 1965 and has undergone several upgrades over the years, including classroom additions, an elevator installation and roof and window improvements. According to the MSBA, the district has identified issues with the building's mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, as well as the building envelope, windows, roof, accessibility and overcrowding.

The MSBA approved Marlborough's entry into the feasibility study phase in April 2024 and approved the preferred schematic design in December 2025. The district is seeking MSBA project scope and budget authorization on June 24.

If approved as planned, the new school is expected to open in fall 2029.

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