The most recent cost estimates for replacing the Bromfield School’s problem-plagued heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system are substantially higher than expected. The School Committee discussed that unwelcome news at its Monday meeting this week. Superintendent Dana Labb had prepared a request for the Capital Planning and Investment Committee, asking for nearly $28.3 million for the project in fiscal years 2028 and 2029. That amount is roughly double last year’s estimate, mainly because the new figures include the cost of replacing Bromfield’s roof as well as the cost of the new HVAC equipment itself.
The new cost figures came from IMEG Consultants Corporation of Boston, the designer assigned to the project by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. In fall 2025 the MSBA accepted the Bromfield project into its Accelerated Repair Program and committed to covering 49.5% of the project’s costs. That program gives the MSBA the right to assign both the project designer and the owner’s project manager.
In his document for the capital committee, Labb explained that IMEG had evaluated three possible HVAC systems. The system with the lowest lifetime cost was a geothermal option. But Labb said the space requirements for the estimated 84 wells needed, as well as the cost of additional test drilling, led the project team to reject that option. Instead, the team chose a system using air-source heat pumps that circulate chilled water and hot water.
The cost for the air-source system is just under $15 million. That’s not far from the $14 million estimated in early 2025 by the engineering firm NV5. The NV5 engineering study was done at the request of the capital committee to determine the best way to move forward with the HVAC project. Having the study helped Harvard qualify for the MSBA reimbursement program.
IMEG estimated the cost for replacing the roof at $9.8 million. In its report, IMEG noted that Bromfield has about 100,000 square feet of roof, divided into numerous areas with at least five different combinations of roofing materials of uncertain age. The study cites problems with expansion joints, clogged roof drains, rust, and areas with pooling water.
Other project costs include over $1 million for photovoltaic solar panels and smaller amounts for land work, contingencies, escalation, and other expenses.
The School Committee expects to discuss its funding request for the Bromfield project with the capital committee next week. But School Committee members voted not to seek funds at the Oct. 20 Town Meeting as previously planned. Instead, they want the measure to come before Town Meeting next spring, so committee members and school administrators can prepare to answer the numerous questions they anticipate from voters.
