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Haverhill committee votes $1.2 million appropriation to start feasibility study for John Greenleaf Whittier school
Summary
The Haverhill School Committee voted to appropriate $1.2 million to fund a feasibility study required by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) as part of pursuing a rebuild or major repair for John Greenleaf Whittier Middle School; the committee discussed grant contingency, debt-exclusion implications and next steps.
The Haverhill School Committee voted to appropriate $1,200,000 to fund a feasibility study for the John Greenleaf Whittier Middle School, a required step in the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process to pursue a major repair or replacement.
The study will determine building capacity, programmatic needs and possible locations for construction work on the school at 256 Concord Street. Superintendent (unnamed in the record) told the committee the MSBA requires a feasibility study and provided a cost estimate range of about $1 million to $1.2 million for a project of the size and scope under consideration.
The nut graf: The appropriation starts the city’s portion of the MSBA pipeline process; the MSBA is a discretionary funder and any study costs that exceed an eventual MSBA grant would be the city’s responsibility. Committee members noted the appropriation is an early but essential step if Haverhill seeks state funding for a rebuild.
Committee members sought and received clarification about what the vote means for local budgets. Miss Collins asked whether the city already has a grant: the superintendent replied the city must apply — the feasibility study is part of the application process. The superintendent and committee members also clarified that the city would need to pursue a debt-exclusion vote from residents to cover construction costs if voters approve moving forward; without an approved debt exclusion, the city could withdraw from a project because it would lack authority to levy taxes beyond Proposition 2½ limits.
A motion to appropriate $1,200,000 "for the purpose of paying for the cost of conducting a feasibility study related to the John Greenleaf Whittier Middle School located at 256 Concord Street in Haverhill, Mass., including payment of all costs incidental or related thereto and for which the city of Haverhill may be eligible for the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) grant program," was brought forward (mover and seconder stated during the meeting) and approved by roll call vote.
Committee members discussed timeline and next steps: the superintendent said the study is the next procedural step in the MSBA pipeline and the city council will also have to vote on borrowing authorization later in the process. The superintendent emphasized that the MSBA grant is discretionary and that any portion of study or project costs not covered by an MSBA award would fall to the city.
Ending: With the vote, the district authorized funds to begin the technical and programmatic work MSBA requires. The superintendent and administration will continue coordinating with the City Council and MSBA on application steps and timelines.
