Horace Mann Building Project Update

Good Morning Horace Mann School Community,

You have likely heard the great news, but just in case I wanted to make sure you all know that the Horace Mann Project is moving forward!

Following the unsuccessful outcome of the operating override, Mayor Fuller began working to see what could be done to try and fund this critically important project. In a few short weeks, Mayor Fuller proposed a plan to work with the Newton Retirement Board and the Newton City Council to adjust the retirement funding program as well as several other financial maneuvers to free up the funds needed to allow the Horace Mann Project to move forward.

After several meetings and a ton of hard work by many people, the Retirement Board voted to adjust their funding program, and the City Council approved several items including the annual budget last week. These actions will allow us to move forward with the project as of July 1st with the annual budget cycle.

As we get closer to July, I will send out a meeting invitation to get together and recap the latest design concepts. If you remember, we were in a good place with the interior floor plans and the site plans were also in very good shape. The only sticking point on the site plans was whether to include a full basketball court or a half-court. We have been studying this and will be prepared to present options at our next meeting.

I know many of you advocated for this project for many years now, and I deeply appreciate and share your passion and commitment to the Horace Mann School and community.

We will be transitioning soon to a new project website hosted by our Owner’s Project Manager, NV5, but you can take a look at the basic project information here.

I have also attached the latest floor plans, building elevations, and site plan from last fall for reference.




Regards,




Josh Morse

Public Buildings Commissioner

Public Buildings Department

City of Newton




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