News Summary

Lexington, Massachusetts is innovating educational infrastructure with its new high school project, which features an energy net-positive design. The ambitious plan includes a modern facility that promotes academic excellence while prioritizing sustainability. With a commitment to community involvement and fiscal responsibility, this pioneering initiative serves as a model for schools across the region. Construction is expected to begin soon, and the state-of-the-art building aims to provide a flexible learning environment for nearly 2,400 students.

Lexington Leads with Energy Net-Positive High School

A groundbreaking project in Lexington, Massachusetts, is setting a new standard for educational infrastructure, demonstrating how innovative design and community vision can converge to create a truly forward-thinking learning environment. This initiative offers a compelling case study for other districts across the Commonwealth and the Boston area, showcasing the potential for enhanced academic settings through strategic investment and a focus on long-term sustainability and efficiency.

The ambitious plan for the new Lexington High School replacement project highlights a significant local commitment to both educational excellence and responsible resource management. It underscores the benefits of local leadership and parental involvement in shaping schools that not only meet current needs but also anticipate future challenges, fostering an environment where students can thrive without being hampered by outdated facilities.

Vision for 21st-Century Education

The Lexington High School replacement project aims to create a modern, flexible learning environment designed to support 21st-century educational goals. The current structure of Lexington High School no longer meets educational needs due to failing infrastructure and overcrowding in classrooms and common spaces. The new 507,000-square-foot, four-story building will consist of three connected L-shaped structures, envisioned by the architects as a “bloom” configuration. This design is intended to engage with every surrounding neighborhood by having three primary entrances. The school is designed to accommodate 2,395 students.

Pioneering Energy Net-Positive Design

A key feature of the new Lexington High School is its energy net-positive design, meaning it is engineered to produce more energy than it consumes. The all-electric building will incorporate a 4 MW system of rooftop and ground-mount solar panels, with enough excess energy to contribute to the local grid. The school will utilize a hybrid HVAC system featuring both ground-source and air-source heat pumps for heating and cooling. This commitment to sustainability not only aligns with Lexington’s environmental goals but also offers substantial long-term operational savings, redirecting funds that might otherwise be spent on energy costs back into educational programs.

Financial Stewardship and Community Support

The estimated total cost of the project is approximately $659 million to $660 million, making it one of the most ambitious school construction efforts in Massachusetts in recent years. Lexington residents approved the funding in December 2025 through a Proposition 2 ½ debt-exclusion vote, which allows the town to issue municipal bonds. Approximately $533 million of the cost will be covered by Lexington residents, with state and federal grants, including a significant grant of about $118.8 million from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), helping to offset the remaining portion. The town also expects about $4.5 million from the MassSave program, an incentive for municipalities adopting green technology in new capital projects. Additionally, the town’s Capital Stabilization Fund, which has a current balance of $32 million and an allocation of an additional $4 million for FY2025, is expected to further reduce the cost to taxpayers. This collaborative funding model demonstrates a balanced approach to large-scale public investment, combining local fiscal responsibility with state-level support for innovative projects.

Construction Timeline and Project Management

Trade partner bid packages for the first phase of the project are scheduled to be released in April, with construction anticipated to begin this summer. The site enabling package will be issued in April, and by September, the team expects to start foundations and steel work. The overall construction is expected to start in late 2026, with students projected to move into the new building for the 2029-2030 school year. Following the opening of the new facility, the existing high school will be demolished, and remaining site work, including athletic fields and landscaping, will be completed by 2031. The project team includes Dore + Whittier as the owner’s project manager, SMMA as the architectural firm, and Turner Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk.

Beyond the Building: Educational Opportunities

The design incorporates flexible, collaborative learning spaces and aims to improve air quality with high-efficiency HVAC systems and enhanced daylighting for natural illumination. The project also includes renovated and expanded field house facilities and updated athletic areas. Furthermore, plans are in place to integrate the Central Administrative Offices into the new high school building. This move, which avoids extensive renovations to the former Harrington Elementary School, also allows for the potential conversion of this space into 15 to 20 classrooms should enrollment increase beyond the new building’s initial capacity. The project also includes navigating wetlands on the site, which will involve working with the local conservation commission to provide educational opportunities for outdoor classrooms, allowing environmental science students to observe and learn firsthand.

Community Engagement and Fiscal Prudence

Community engagement has been a priority throughout the project, with public forums and updates planned to keep residents informed and involved. While the project represents a significant investment, the town’s proactive approach to funding, including the Capital Stabilization Fund and securing state grants, reflects a commitment to fiscal prudence alongside educational advancement. The emphasis on energy efficiency and long-term operational savings demonstrates a forward-thinking strategy that benefits taxpayers by reducing future costs.

The Lexington High School project serves as a powerful example for other communities in Massachusetts considering significant school renovations or new constructions. By embracing innovation, prioritizing sustainable practices, and engaging the community in the planning and funding process, districts can create educational environments that inspire personal achievement and academic growth for generations to come. Local commitment, combined with strategic partnerships and a focus on long-term value, can truly transform a town’s educational landscape. We encourage readers to stay engaged with local school projects and support initiatives that foster academic excellence and community well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the estimated total cost of the Lexington High School replacement project?

  The estimated total project cost is approximately $659 million to $660 million.

• When is construction expected to begin for the new Lexington High School?

  The first phase of the energy net positive Lexington High School replacement is scheduled to start construction this summer, with trade partner bid packages to be released in April.

• What is the projected completion date for the new school?

  Students are projected to move into the new building for the 2029-2030 school year, and the entire project, including demolition of the old school and completion of athletic fields, is expected by 2031.

• How will the Lexington High School project be funded?

  The project will be funded through a Proposition 2 ½ debt-exclusion vote approved by Lexington residents, municipal bonds, a grant of about $118.8 million from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, additional incentives through energy-efficient design programs, and the town’s Capital Stabilization Fund.

• What makes the new Lexington High School an energy net-positive building?

  The new school is designed to be all-electric, powered by a 4 MW system of rooftop and ground-mount solar panels, and will use a hybrid HVAC system with ground-source and air-source heat pumps, generating more energy than it consumes.

Key Features of the Lexington High School Replacement Project

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