WORCESTER – Tuesday, August 12, 2025 – The Worcester Public Schools Facilities Department recently conducted several improvement projects over the summer, investing in building upgrades that enhance safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and learning environments for students.
The improvement projects spanned multiple schools including Worcester East Middle School, Worcester Technical High School, Roosevelt Elementary School, Thorndyke Road School, Lincoln Street School, Gerald Creamer Center and Challenge & Reach Academy.
“These projects aim to improve the day-to-day operations of our buildings by enhancing accessibility, safety, insulation, and overall learning conditions for students and staff,” said Superintendent Brian E. Allen. “Investing in these upgrades ensures our schools remain safe and functional places where students can focus on learning. A big thank you to our Facilities Department staff and contractors for all their hard work.”
At Worcester East Middle, construction crews conducted phase one of a two-summer project replacing all 375 original windows. The work, supported by the Improving Ventilation and Air Quality Grant from Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, also includes hazardous materials abatement, installation of new roller shades and replacement of exterior doors to improve building security and insulation.
Roosevelt Elementary is undergoing a $1.6 million parking improvement project designed to improve traffic flow, safety and accessibility at the school. Funded by the WPS Capital Projects budget and a $1 million federal Community Block Development Grant, the work includes new dedicated drop-off lanes, a newly constructed parking lot, and ADA-compliant sidewalks and crosswalks.
Other projects this summer include structural repairs to the staff parking garage at Worcester Technical High School, the installation of an ADA-compliant ramp and new exterior gym doors at The Fanning Building, and districtwide accessibility upgrades at Thorndyke, Lincoln, Gerald Creamer Center, and Challenge & Reach Academy.
Summary of Summer 2025 Projects in Worcester Public Schools:
Worcester East Middle School – Window Replacement
Replacement of 375 inoperable, outdated windows.
Hazardous material abatement, new roller shades, updated exterior doors.
Funded by DESE IVAQ grant and WPS capital funds.
Two-year project; first phase complete summer 2025.
Roosevelt Elementary School – Site & Parking Improvements
New bus and student drop-off lanes, new parking lot with 40+ spaces.
ADA-compliant sidewalks, crosswalks, improved lighting, landscaping.
Funded by WPS capital budget and $1M HUD grant.
Completion August 2025.
Worcester Technical High School – Parking Garage Repairs
Concrete repair, sealant replacement, rebar repair, drainage upgrades.
$504,800 project; completion before 2025–26 school year.
Fanning Building – Exterior Gym Ramp & Doors
ADA-compliant ramp with railings, new insulated doors with security hardware.
New exit signage and LED lighting.
Thorndyke, Lincoln, Gerald Creamer Center, Challenge & Reach Academy - Districtwide ADA Upgrades
$10M multi-site accessibility improvements.
New elevators (Thorndyke, Lincoln), restroom renovations, hardware upgrades, fire safety improvements.
Smaller site work completed August 2025; elevators Summer 2026.
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