South City schools break ground on bond projects


“A promise to our students, our staff, our community to deliver modern, equitable and student-centered facilities that reflect the excellence with which we strive every single day for our students,” Moore said. 

The central kitchen and cafeteria project includes expanding functionality of the space — making it a central hub, not just a place to eat, Bond Director Lori Shelton said. Making use of the space efficiently and having it streamlined was important, Shelton said, and the kitchen staff and nutrition services team was key in designing the space. 

“The bond program is only at the beginning of the journey,” Shelton said. “The intent of the program is to develop other projects that will transform our facilities and improve the educational experience of our most precious resources, our students.” 

The upgrade to the kitchen and cafeteria is not only about improving the space where children eat. 

“What happens in our kitchen, cafeterias, directly impacts what happens in our classrooms,” Moore said. “When students are nourished with healthy meals, served in environments designed with dignity and care, they are able to better focus, connect and thrive.”

The upgraded facilities will allow for culturally diverse and nutritious meals, decrease wait time, and create a welcoming space for community building, Moore said. The kitchen will also be a learning space, a space for evening family events, weekend workshops and other learning opportunities, Moore said.

“It embodies the idea that our school should serve the whole child and community,” Moore said. 

Construction on the kitchen and cafeteria will begin next week, and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026. 

The cafeteria and kitchen is just one of the projects the district is undergoing, using the $436 million generated by the school improvement bond measure passed with 64% of the voter’s support in 2022. 

On June 9, the district will host another ceremony celebrating the groundbreaking of an upgraded field and pavement area at Westborough Middle School. 

“It represents more than brick and mortar, it is a reflection of our collective commitment to equity, health and student success,” Moore said.

Amanda Anthony, president of the district’s Board of Trustees, recalled when the district was campaigning for the bond measure, some residents had doubts after it botched a bond spending plan back in 2015. With the progress made now, it is clear the district is moving forward in a smart way, she said. 

“There was some question as to whether they could trust us to do this,” Anthony said. “The fact we're here today is a wonderful moment to celebrate and officially start our bond construction.”