MassDevelopment, Harvard Sign New Contract for Devens Students

June 20, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Kelsey Abbruzzese, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2086 & 617-448-9077 (cell)
kabbruzzese@massdevelopment.com

MassDevelopment’s Board of Directors has approved a new contract with the Harvard Public Schools to educate students living in Devens. MassDevelopment staff recommended the community continue its relationship with Harvard because of Devens residents’ high satisfaction with the district and the desire to maintain continuity for students. The new contract begins July 1, 2015, and ends June 30, 2020. This agreement also ensures the Devens bus route, which has been in place for many years, will be modified to provide Devens students with a shorter and more efficient bus route.

“The overwhelming majority of residents – 93 percent – believe Devens students are well-served through the Harvard Public Schools, and we consider this satisfaction and the education of children of utmost importance,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “We look forward to continuing this successful partnership with Harvard and appreciate the district's partnership on the upcoming contract.”

The contract was supported in a unanimous vote by the Harvard School Committee. “We welcome and appreciate the opportunity of having students from Devens in our schools and continuing our partnership with MassDevelopment,” said Committee Chair SusanMary Redinger. “The students and families from Devens have become an integral part of our school community.”

Located in north-central Massachusetts and managed by MassDevelopment, Devens is home to a varied mix of businesses, government organizations, and nonprofits employing more than 3,600 people. The 4,400-acre site features fast-track permitting and other incentives for businesses. The former military installation is recognized today as a national model for military base redevelopment. Along with its business tenants, the Devens community also includes more than 2,100 acres of recreation and open space, private residences, schools, and a network of human and social services providers.