Auburn School Committee authorizes application for School Revolving Renovation Fund loan for East Auburn ventilation upgrades

The Auburn School Committee on Oct. 15 authorized the superintendent to apply for a School Revolving Renovation Fund (SRRF) loan to fund ventilation upgrades at East Auburn School.

Amanda Kudger, the district's business manager, said SRRF criteria match the district's planned FY26 bond project and noted an important program feature: "we can have up to 70% of the loan forgiven." She told the committee the original East Auburn ventilation project discussed in March was about $800,000, but an expanded scope including roofing and additional phases pushed the application toward the program cap: "we're looking at just under $2,000,000, which is the cap for that loan."

Chairperson Pam Albert called for a voice vote after discussion; the motion passed with the transcript noting, "All those in favor? Motion carries." The meeting record shows authorization to apply; the committee did not approve borrowing any specific loan terms or a final project contract at this meeting.

Committee members emphasized that applying does not commit the district to accept a loan; Amanda described the SRRF as a potential means to reduce local borrowing costs because a share of the loan may be forgiven, lowering net debt compared with a traditional bond. The motion did not include a dollar amount to borrow; it only authorized the superintendent to submit an application under the program rules.

Because SRRF forgiveness and final award are determined by state program administrators, implementation depends on external approvals. The superintendent and business office will proceed with the application and report any award or required local match to the committee.