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On Thursday, April 16th the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, the Office of the Inspector General, and the City of Worcester hosted this year’s Story of a Building seminar at Doherty Memorial High School.
The Story of a Building seminar series was designed as a forum for sharing information among school districts about the building construction process and serves as an opportunity for districts in the early phases of the MSBA pipeline to hear lessons learned and best practices, from a district who has recently completed a project.
Over the course of the day, attendees learned about the work to envision, design and build Doherty Memorial High School but also how they have used the MSBA’s Accelerated Repair Program to improve conditions at their other schools. Attendees heard from the Superintendent of Schools Brian Allen, City Manager Eric Batista, Principal John Staley, as well as members of the design and construction team, and students who through educational opportunities were involved in the project. The day concluded with a conversation between Treasurer Goldberg and Mayor Joseph Petty, highlighting the role of the municipal leaders in supporting long-term capital and financial planning.
“The Story of a Building seminar gives districts a clear, practical look at what it takes to move a project from concept to completion,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “Through its partnership with the MSBA, Worcester’s experience with Doherty Memorial High School, and its use of the Core and Accelerated Repair Programs, Worcester was able to offer valuable lessons in planning, collaboration, and making smart, long-term investments in school facilities.”
Mayor Joseph Petty stated, “Thank you to Treasurer Goldberg and the MSBA for highlighting the success of Doherty High school and what can be accomplished when people, committees, and agencies come together under a unified vision and a commitment to educational and fiscal responsibility.”
"The Story of a Building seminar at Doherty Memorial High School showcased what we’ve accomplished as a community and to share those lessons with districts across the Commonwealth. Our strong partnership with the MSBA has been instrumental in delivering high-quality school facilities that have a lasting, positive impact on our students and the broader community. We’re grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate how thoughtful planning, strong collaboration, and meaningful student engagement can turn a shared vision into action,” commented Superintendent Brian Allen.
“I am so pleased to work with the MSBA to offer this opportunity to bring together folks who are in the early stages of building a school to connect with people who have just completed the process. It’s important to learn from others what worked, and maybe more importantly, what didn’t when taking on a project as significant as a new school,” said Inspector General Jeffrey Shaprio.
With Core and Accelerated Repair Program projects combined, the MSBA has partnered with the district on 43 projects, and as a result of the City’s strategic planning, are currently partnering with the City on its 5th Core Program project at Burncoat High School, which is in the early phases of the grant program.
“This year’s Story of a Building seminar served as an insightful and thought-provoking seminar for districts who have recently entered the MSBA pipeline, fostering dialogue among presenters and attendees,” said MSBA Executive Director Mary Pichetti. “We look forward to continuing to offer educational seminars that can best enable districts to successfully navigate the MSBA grant program and improve the learning environment for their students.”
For more information on this and past Story of a Building seminars, please visit our website where we provide summaries, presentations, pictures and resources from each of our Story of a Building seminars. Story of a Building Seminar | Massachusetts School Building Authority
Presentation Links
MSBA Informational Tables at Story of a Building
Additional MSBA Information and Resources
- Educational Facility Planning
- School Survey
- MSBA Green School Program Roundtable | Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM
