Fire Causes Delay in Opening of MLK Jr./Putnman Ave Upper School

Earlier this week, City Manager Richard C. Rossi sent the update below to the Superintendent of Schools regarding the Martin Luther King Jr. School/Putnam Avenue Upper School.

Dear Superintendent Young, 

As you are aware, I have been receiving daily updates from the City’s Construction Project Manager on the recovery efforts taking place at the new Martin Luther King, Jr./Putnam Avenue Upper School building.  While the construction team and the disaster recovery team have made every effort since the May 30^th fire to keep this project on schedule, it has become clear that in order to ensure a safe and secure teaching and learning environment for all staff and students, the completion and opening of the MLK Jr. School/Putnam Avenue Upper School will be delayed. My team, which, as you know, includes officials from the Cambridge Public Schools, is currently working on a revised project timeline, which will be completed prior the end of the current school year. The second set of school communities (i.e., King Open and Cambridge Street Upper School) that were scheduled to move during the summer months also will be delayed. 

In light of this new information, the City is postponing the Thursday, June 11, King Open/Cambridge Street Upper Schools and Community Complex Project Community meeting. Once the revised timeline is solidified, the City will reschedule the meeting; this will enable the City to provide more accurate information to the community. The delay in the opening of MLK Jr. School/Putnam Avenue Upper School may impact the schedule for the King Open School, Cambridge Street Upper School, Valente Library, Gold Star Pool, and Community Complex Project.

I am greatly disappointed in the project setback caused by the May 30^th fire. So many in our community, especially the MLK Jr. School/Putnam Avenue Upper School communities, were looking forward to celebrating the September opening of their new state-of-the-art facility.  My team has made every attempt to keep this project on schedule; however, the delay is necessary to prevent compromising the quality of the project. 

The City Administration will work closely with the Cambridge School Department to create a detailed logistical plan for the 2015-2016 and the 2016-2017 academic years. Once the revised project timeline is completed, I will update you and the community. We will also provide updates as important information develops. 

Very truly yours,
Richard C. Rossi