Weymouth Breaks Ground On New Middle School

WEYMOUTH, MA — Weymouth officials socially gathered on Thursday for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Maria Weston Chapman Middle School expected to be completed in September 2022.

The school — named after the early 19th-century abolitionist and advocate for girls education who was a Weymouth native — is being designed to support 1,470 students in grades 6 through 8 on the site of the existing school. That school will be vacated this school year.

The old Chapman building will be demolished with the exception of the existing gym block.

The new Chapman School will be 252,170 square feet, including 220,880 feet of new construction, along with 31,290 square feet of renovated gymnasium space.

"I am so proud that this beautiful new structure will start a new educational legacy, and just like its namesake, I challenge all who are part of this new and exciting chapter for our school community and community at large to speak their truths, let their voices be heard, embrace change, equity and never forget the incredible power that education has," Superintendent Jennifer Curtis-Whipple said. "I firmly believe that this new school will provide the educational opportunities to positively change the future for all who are — and will be — part of this new Maria Weston Chapman Middle School."

Mayor Robert Hedlund also acknowledged members of the Weymouth School Committee, School Building Committee and Weymouth Town Council, many of whom were in attendance.

Representatives from project architect HMFH Architects, project manager Hill International and general contractor Bond Building Inc. were also on hand.

"I know many people have nostalgia for this school, for the friendships gained here and the knowledge gained here, and we hope that an even higher level of academic excellence will occur at this new facility once it is built," Hedlund said. "I want to thank all of the people who made it possible for us to be here today, especially the citizens of Weymouth who voted to make a significant investment by overwhelmingly supporting this project from the beginning."

Prior to the groundbreaking, Weymouth School Committee Chair Lisa Belmarsh presented community member Laurie Hansen with the Massachusetts Association of School Committee's Community Leader for Public Education Award.

Hansen was a passionate advocate for the new school project that passed a town vote last year.

"When Laurie spoke you could see people listening, shaking their heads in agreement. Her leadership and willingness to speak out changed minds to vote yes, and I’m sure we would not be here today without her," Belmarsh said. "She proves that one voice can make a difference."