~ Boston, MA- Today, a topping off ceremony was held for the Patrick J. Kennedy Elementary School's new addition, with Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper, the City's Public Facilities Department, and community members in attendance. The ceremony marked the completion of the steel structure for the $21.5 million project.

Located in East Boston, the Patrick J. Kennedy Elementary School is a small and close-knit school that serves approximately 300 students. Its mission is to provide a safe, healthy, and family-oriented environment for its students. The new addition will include a 4,000 square foot two-story building with a main entrance at-grade level, a new stairwell, an elevator serving all three levels of the building, and accessible toilets. Additionally, renovations will be made to improve accessibility and fire protection throughout the existing school building.

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Mayor Michelle Wu expressed her excitement for the project and emphasized the importance of providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students. She thanked the partners at BPS, Public Facilities Department, and community members for their hard work in making this project possible.

Superintendent Mary Skipper also spoke at the ceremony and highlighted how this project is a direct investment into the students, educators, staff, and community of East Boston. She stated that it shows what can be achieved when everyone comes together to prioritize the needs of young people.

The topping off ceremony was attended by city officials as well as members of the Patrick J. Kennedy Elementary School community who were invited to sign the final beam. The design of the addition and renovations aims to create an inclusive environment that will help unlock each student's full potential. Partial renovations are expected to be completed by 2024-2025 school year while full completion is scheduled for 2025-2026 school year.

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The existing building will undergo extensive renovations including upgrades to toilets throughout, installation of new windows and heat pump system, replacement of drinking fountains, and installation of a fire protection system. Other improvements include the relocation and replacement of playground equipment, modifications to the hard-surface play area and parking lot, and the addition of a new exterior stair and sidewalk ramp access from Bennington Street.

Executive Director of the Public Facilities Department, Carleton Jones, expressed his excitement for reaching this construction milestone. He stated that it brings them one step closer to fulfilling their commitment of providing a safe and accessible learning environment for all students at Patrick J. Kennedy Elementary School.

Construction on the addition and renovations began in April 2024 through a partnership between the Public Facilities Department and BPS. The project is expected to be completed by 2025-2026 school year. This investment in the Patrick J. Kennedy Elementary School demonstrates the city's dedication to providing high-quality education for all students in Boston.

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