With the exception of the Clark Avenue Middle School, which opened in 2018, all school buildings were either built or renovated in 1996-1997.  This means that they are all over 20 years of age and attention must be paid to critical building systems such as roofs, and boilers, heating and cooling systems (HVAC) to make sure that repairs and replacements are scheduled in a timely manner.  Failure to do so can result in the need for emergency repairs and the potential closure of buildings or portions of buildings. To keep the school buildings in great condition, each year, Chelsea Public Schools and the City of Chelsea invest several million dollars in building improvements.

Many projects are underway in the current school year, including:

Districtwide

• LED replacement lighting continued
• Replacement of Public Address (PA) Systems control panels in two buildings

John Silber Early Learning Center

• New playground installed on the Congress Avenue side
• Tile flooring replaced on the second- and third-floor corridors
• Additional tile replacement in summer 2020
• Gymnasium floor repaired

Mary C. Burke Complex

• New playground under construction including three new play structures, a turf field, a water feature, and landscaping
• Waterproofing and insulation added behind blue exterior panels to stop water intrusion
• New bathroom sinks installed
• New Community Entrance (exterior) in summer 2020
• New security entrance (interior) in summer 2020

Williams Middle Schools

• Several classrooms and bathrooms updated with renovations
• Gymnasium flashing repaired
• Cafeteria renovation in summer 2020
• Playground renovation in summer 2020
• Roof sealing and new HVAC system in summer 2020

Clark Avenue School

• Addition to exterior sign to acknowledge the new name of Morris H. Seigal Clark Avenue Middle School in spring 2020

Chelsea High School

• New auditorium lighting and technology in summer 2020
• Additional counseling space created in the nurses' suite
• Replacement of multiple restroom partitions in spring 2020

 The work underway in the current year builds upon the projects completed in prior years.