By George P. Hassett

The East Somerville Community School is a big step closer to being rebuilt this week after state authorities approved $15.2 million in funding to rebuild the school, which burned in a December 2007 fire.

With the necessary state funds now pledged to the project, City officials now anticipate a re-opening of the school during the 2012-13 school year.

“This is fabulous news for the residents of East Somerville, and the entire Somerville community,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “That fire tore out an important piece in the fabric of that neighborhood and it is my great pleasure to say that East Somerville is getting its school back. This was the most critical piece of the funding needed to rebuild and we have secured it.”

The school itself still exists in name and spirit, though the building has been uninhabitable. Kindergartners from East Somerville have been attending the Capuano Early Childhood Center. East Somerville students in grades 1 through 4 attend their classes at the Edgerly School while grades 5 through 8 are located at the Cummings School. A special education class from East Somerville has been assigned to the Argenziano School.

“I’m thrilled the Massachusetts School Building Authority has seen the value of rebuilding East Somerville Community School on its current site,” said Somerville Superintendent of Schools Tony Pierantozzi. “I’d like to thank the students, parents, guardians and staff for remaining optimistic throughout the wait to rebuild the school. The number of students enrolled in East Somerville has actually increased since the fire. The reward for their patience will be a fine new school and community center.”

The city has been putting together schematic designs for the 118,500 square foot facility, which will indeed serve as a busy community center after school hours and during weekends.