City and school district leaders took part in a Massachusetts School Building Authority virtual meeting today to talk about the future of Washington and Beal Elementary schools.

Washington School, which opened in 1918, is being reviewed for possible renovation or rebuilding, and a plan was proposed to combine Washington and Beal schools at the current Beal School site. Beal, built in 1962, has enough space to support a modern combined school.

Springfield has used this approach before. The district has successfully combined schools at the DeBerry and Swan site and at Brightwood and Lincoln. Springfield was also the first district in Massachusetts to try co-locating two schools on one campus.

“Our school buildings play an important role in how students learn and feel each day,” said Superintendent Dinnall. “We are committed to working with the city and the MSBA to ensure our students and staff have safe, modern, and welcoming spaces that support teaching, learning, and community.”

Mayor Sarno spoke about the city’s strong partnership with the MSBA and the progress Springfield has made in building and improving schools. He also shared that he attended Washington Street School as a student and said he looks forward to updating the building to better meet the needs of today’s students and families.