SPRINGFIELD – At its Jan. 11 meeting, The School Committee approved sending statement of interest – the first step to obtaining funding from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) – for repairs and renovations at 10 schools, but voted to the make The German Gerena Community School of Science and Technology the district number one priority.

The Gerena School has long had structural problems, which has resulted in leaking water.

The schools proposed for grants from the MSBA are:

• Milton Bradley School, renovation and replacement of the roof.

• High School of Commerce, renovation and replacement of the roof.

• Glenwood School, renovation and replacement of the roof.

• Indian orchard Elementary, renovation and replacement of the roof and upgrades to the heating system.

• Sumner Avenue School, renovation and replacement of the roof and upgrades to the heating system.

• Balliet Elementary School, installation of new windows and exterior doors.

• Washington Elementary School, installation of new windows and exterior doors.

• Arthur Talmadge School, installation of new windows and exterior doors and an upgrade of the heating system.

• Springfield High School of Science and Technology, replacement of heating system.

• The German Gerena Community School of Science and Technology, installation of new windows and exterior doors and an upgrade of the heating system.

The committee also approved how to use $6.8 million in surplus funds from the last budget year. Four million dollars will be used for the start-up of the new Conservator of the Arts school, with the reminder allocated to various programs in the district.

Two people were honored by the committee at its meeting. The district’s athletic director, Michael Martin was recognized for his induction in the Massachusetts Basketball Coach’s Hall of Fame, the New England Basketball Hall of Fame and the Springfield Public School’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Up Academy teacher Kris Collins was also honored for performing the Heimlich Maneuver that saved a student’s life.