Chicopee Approves Funding for New Barry Elementary
The $106 million project will replace the aging facility with a modern school expected to open in 2029.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Primary Education
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Chicopee City Council has approved a $106 million bond to fund the construction of a new Anna E. Barry Elementary School. This project will replace the 1963 facility, which currently serves 331 students in grades kindergarten through five.
Why it matters
The current Barry Elementary building on Connell Street is outdated, containing asbestos and lacking compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This replacement ensures a modern, accessible learning environment for local families.
The new facility will be constructed next to the Szetela Early Childhood Center on Macek Street at an estimated cost of $106 million. A 2023 grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority will cover 80% of the eligible project costs.
The players
Chicopee City Council
The local governing body responsible for municipal fiscal policy and bond approvals for city infrastructure.
Massachusetts School Building Authority
A state agency that manages the funding and oversight of public school construction and renovation projects.
Barry School Commission
The local body tasked with school facility planning and site selection for Chicopee elementary students.
The details
The Barry School Commission selected the Macek Street site after evaluating various locations with the help of engineering and construction volunteers. The current school building, built in 1963, poses safety and structural challenges that necessitated this replacement project. As part of the site development, the existing Szetela Early Childhood Center will also undergo renovations to integrate with the new elementary campus.
Timeline
1963: The original Barry Elementary building was constructed.
2023: The Massachusetts School Building Authority approved funding for 80% of eligible costs.
October 14, 2026: The Chicopee City Council voted to approve the bond measure.
2029: The new school location is currently scheduled to open.
The Home Front
The transition to this new site reflects a broader trend of replacing aging mid-century educational facilities that predate the Americans with Disabilities Act. Local families can expect a shift in school logistics as the city moves away from the non-compliant 1963 building on Connell Street.
Families with students currently in grades K-5 should monitor future district communications regarding the transition timeline for the move to Macek Street. Property owners near the new school site may also want to track updates on the planned Granby Road roundabout project for potential travel impacts.
The takeaway
This project modernizes essential neighborhood infrastructure to support local students through 2029 and beyond. Parents should note the Macek Street location for future planning and keep an eye on city updates as the new building project progresses.
Further reading
For more on local academic facility planning, visit Primary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Masslive.
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