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Select Board endorses regional district's move to MSBA core program, asks for 5—6-year mitigation plan
Summary
The Hampden Select Board agreed to endorse the regional school committee's decision to apply to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (core program) to address extensive structural and systems deficiencies, while conditioning support on a comprehensive 5—6-year plan for interim fixes and student safety.
HAMPDEN, Mass. ' The Select Board voted Dec. 8 to endorse the regional school committee's decision to withdraw from the accelerated repair program and apply to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) core program, contingent on receiving a detailed plan to protect students and staff during the likely multi-year process.
Don (board member) and other Select Board members summarized repeated findings from past studies about the regional middle school's longstanding deficiencies, including HVAC problems, failing electrical service, water and sanitary issues, cracked asbestos-containing floor tiles, and overcrowding. "The majority, if not all, of these defects outlined in the letter were identified 10 years ago," Don said, urging prompt interim mitigation.
Board members and residents emphasized the need for a short-term action plan while the MSBA's core-program process (which can take several years) proceeds. The board asked the regional committee and the owner of the building (the town of Wilburham is the building owner, per the regional lease agreement) to prioritize immediate, constructive actions and to present a 5—6-year mitigation plan before final endorsement is transmitted.
"We will offer our support, but before the final application goes out we want to see a comprehensive plan that, if accepted into the core program, details what will happen over the next 5 to 6 years," the Select Board Chair said. A board member moved to support the region's decision to pursue the MSBA core program with the caveat; the motion carried by voice vote.
Board members noted the MSBA reimbursement percentage discussed at the meeting (approximately 58% state share in recent data cited by officials), meaning the two towns would share the remaining local cost; the board asked for a clear fiscal breakdown and for the region to spell out interim steps to protect student health and safety.
The board requested the regional school committee keep the Select Board informed and to return with the mitigation plan before final submission of any application.
