District outlines next steps on proposed 7–12 building; PSR to go before MSBA subcommittee

District leaders updated the school committee on the school-building process on Jan. 8, saying the School Building Committee reaffirmed schematic Option 7.4 (a new building serving grades 7–12) and will advance the Preliminary Submission Report (PSR) for review.

Interim Superintendent Jill Pilagalarani said the district and its project team (owners project manager Colliers and design team DRE) will present an overview of the PSR to the Facilities Assessment Subcommittee on Jan. 14 so the subcommittee can review the educational vision, site plan, design and projected costs. “We reapproved the schematic option, which is 7.4 for new construction for a building for a 7 through 12,” Pilagalarani said.

Pilagalarani told members that, after FAS feedback and any refinements, the district anticipates presenting the PSR to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) board of directors in February; that board will vote on whether the project can proceed into schematic design (Module 4). The superintendent said staff will continue community outreach, hold a February presentation for residents, and distribute information materials so both Blackstone and Millville residents understand the plan and projected cost implications.

Committee members were invited to request presentations to community organizations; staff emphasized continued coordination with both towns’ leadership and that more detailed cost and site-information will be available after FAS review and MSBA feedback.