MassDevelopment bonds $17M for new Perkins middle school, dorm

November 09, 2020

Finance and development agency MassDevelopment has issued a $17-million tax-exempt bond on behalf of the Doctor Franklin Perkins School in Lancaster, for constructing a new middle school building and dormitory, according to a joint press release issued Monday.

The funds will be used to build an arts education wing onto the school’s Janeway Education Center, which will create space for an additional science classroom in the main building.

The bond, which was also used to refinance debt, was purchased by TD Bank.

Perkins provides day and residential services, including education for children and adults with mental health, developmental and educational challenges.

In September, Perkins announced an imminent merger with the nearby Robert F. Kennedy Children's Action Corps, initially marked by a formal partnership, with RFK becoming an affiliate of Perkins. Perkins dates to 1896 and was originally located in Newton, until a 1924 move transplanted it to Lancaster.