CConstruction is in full swing on AMSA’s new science building, located between the White Building and the Lower School. After months of waiting, walls have been torn down, rubble has been cleared, and the foundation is being laid.

The 17,000-square-foot building is going to include five science labs and five classrooms.

Lack of storage and learning space has been a significant issue for the school over the years, especially in the science department. School officials say that the new building is intended to fix that problem, along with scheduling issues.

“There is not much storage at the moment,” Principal Mike Nawrocki said. “The majority of our science teachers are sharing rooms, too. The goal is to create more space and opportunity, along with a better learning environment.”

Mr. Nawrocki said that the extra rooms will also make it easier to schedule classes, since there are currently severe limitations set by what rooms are available during certain days. The extra space will provide more flexibility.

The new building is also designed to provide more consistency for teachers, who often find themselves switching classrooms throughout the day. 

“Construction is targeted to finish in December of 2024,” Executive Director Dr. Lisa Mobley said. “Right now, it looks good, but knowing how construction goes, it may be January or February of 2025. It will likely not be in use until the fall of 2025.”

The building was originally planned to include a gymnasium, but a recent bout of inflation drove construction costs too high, according to Mr. Nawrocki.

Funds for the building are in the form of a $24 million loan that also included purchase of the upper and lower school buildings. Dr. Mobley said that the school also made a down payment of $5.7 million, making the total cost nearly $30 million. Construction of the new building is estimated at nearly $13 million.

Dr. Mobley is hopeful that her previous experience with construction projects at her former school, King Philip Regional High School in Wrentham, where she served as principal, will be beneficial. 

“I helped build a sports complex at my other school,” Dr. Mobley said. “Because of this, I have experience with construction meetings and protocol. It has been a good learning experience, too. I always thought I was a decent communicator, but this is another level. We have to see how it will affect everyone involved, not just the students.”

To celebrate the new building, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on Nov. 15. Mr. Nawrocki and Dr. Mobley, among others, gave speeches.

“I was very satisfied with the event,” Vice Principal Amanda Cence said. “It went very smoothly. This is very exciting for us – it is a new start and a new phase for AMSA.”