Photos & Story by Marianne Salza
Boston Public Schools (BPS), Mayor Michelle Wu, local leaders, and members of the Patrick J. Kennedy School (PJK) celebrated the school’s $23 million renovation project – described as an historic investment for students, educators, and the community by city and state officials — with a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 27.
“Today marks a new chapter in our school’s history,” began Principal Kristen Goncalves Redden. “One that honors our deep roots in East Boston, while embracing a future that is inclusive, innovative, and inspiring. These renovations and additions have transformed our building into a space that reflects the brilliance and diversity of our students.”
Raymond Design Associations, the City of Boston’s Public Facilities Department, and GVW Construction planned and created the now fully ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant facility that honors the character of the historic building while converting it into a modernized and accessible space for specialized instruction.
Families walk along upgraded sidewalks, lined with new fencing and greenery, and are welcomed into a new, two-story, 3900-square-foot entrance. The PJK — named a 2025 School of Recognition by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education — now features accessible staircases and an elevator, along with a state-of-the-art fire protection system, and new windows.
The playground has been transformed with a community garden, benches, a turf soccer field, basketball court, and a play structure that is double the size of the previous one.
“The outdoor space enables our students to be able to play together, be together as a community, and stay healthy,” exclaimed Mary Skipper, Superintendent, BPS. “The indoor spaces – bathrooms, new main office, entrance, classroom areas, kindergarten space, and AC’s throughout the building – are all things our PJK panthers deserve.”
Eagle Hill resident, State Representative Adrian Madaro, has watched the transformation unfold over the past two years, describing the once “underutilized, desolate playground” as now a beautiful community space located prominently in Day Square.
“Despite it being a brisk Monday morning in Boston, our hearts are warm and people are smiling because it’s a special day. It takes a village to make transformative projects like this happen,” beamed Representative Madaro. “This is the type of investment that our students, faculty, and administrators deserve. This is an investment in our present and in our future.”
Mayor Michelle Wu expressed her gratitude for those who contributed, and emphasized the importance of investing in Boston Public Schools.
“In the moment, we are rebuilding or building from new more Boston Public Schools buildings than in any time over the last 40 years combined,” noted Mayor Wu. “We want Boston Public Schools, the first public school system in the country, to be the very best. We want every school to be like the PJK: beautiful, accommodating, accessible, welcoming, and fun, because that is what our community deserves.”