Horace Mann Laboratory School Receives $5 Million Green School Works Grant
Grant will fund ventilation upgrades, advance decarbonization
SALEM (July 7, 2025) – The Horace Mann Laboratory School, a kindergarten-to-grade 5 elementary school in the Salem Public School District, received the $5 million Green School Works Grant through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the MCEC announced June 26.
HMLS was one of 18 schools in the Bay State to receive the grant, which encompassed $52 million to upgrade public school facilities and make them more energy efficient, reduce pollution and enhance learning environments for students.
The grant will upgrade ventilation at HMLS with the addition of an energy recovery ventilator (ERV).
“We are very grateful to the MCEC for this generous grant,” said SPS Director of Facilities Zissis Alepakis. “The Green School Works grant will enable us to provide climate control to the students and staff at Horace Mann for a more comfortable learning environment. It also helps us progress in meeting our decarbonization goals for the District.”
Other area schools which received the grant included Excel Academy Charter High School in East Boston, which received $173,841; and Lynn Vocational Technical Institute ($4,883,200).
“Investing in clean energy to modernize our schools is one of the smartest steps we can take to create healthier, safer learning environments for our students and educators,” said Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “By improving energy efficiency, we lower costs, reduce harmful pollution, and free up valuable resources to support teachers and educational programs. This is an investment in our buildings, the future of our communities, and the well-being of the next generation.”
“Schools are central gathering points to support vibrant and healthy communities,” said MassCEC CEO Dr. Emily Reichert. “That’s why we’re helping cities and towns modernize their buildings to include cleaner, more reliable energy systems, reducing air pollution and increasing comfort in our learning environments statewide. The Green School Works Program puts students’ and teachers’ health first and sets municipalities on a long-term path to more affordable facility operations.”
“The Green School Works funding is going to 18 schools across Massachusetts, from North Adams to Barnstable, highlighting our commitment to supporting public school districts with the tools they need to create safe, healthy, and high-quality learning environments for students and educators,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “At a time when the federal government is trying to cut education funding for heat pumps and ventilation, I am proud that Massachusetts is investing in programs like this.”
The Green School Works grant supports the District’s Strategic Plan, particularly the core principles of elevating learning and empowering educators.
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are all passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens we view all of our work through. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff serve all of our students, regardless of ability or language. Salem Public Schools enrolls approximately 4,000 students across its eleven schools.
