Northborough's $292,210 share of $477,000 Algonquin capital package includes ADA, safety and equipment upgrades

Greg Martineau, superintendent for the public schools of Northborough and Southborough, outlined six capital projects proposed at Algonquin Regional High School and described how costs would be apportioned among member towns. "There are 6 capital projects totaling $477,000," Martineau said, and he explained the regional agreement apportions capital costs each year based on the average of October 1 enrollment figures for the preceding years.

Martineau said Northborough's capital assessment percentage for fiscal year 2027 is 61.26%, which results in a non-exempt assessment of $292,210 for Northborough. "That amount is for the following: sidewalk curb repair and leveling," he said, listing the projects covered by the regional request.

Project specifics Martineau described: re-leveling settled paver walkways from the cafeteria to the performing arts area to bring pedestrian routes into ADA compliance; replacing the chairlift in the Black Box Theater to address repeated failures and restore accessibility; a $200,000 investment to finish classroom presentation system upgrades at Algonquin after Year 1 installed over 60 systems; replacement of a nonfunctional wood-shop dust collector (original equipment from around 1970) to maintain safety and programing; caulking, trim repair and building envelope waterproofing to improve efficiency and prevent weather damage; and replacement of a 25-year-old grounds tractor to support the multi-field complex.

Martineau did not report a formal vote or timeline for construction in the presentation. The items described are part of the Algonquin Regional School District's FY27 capital assessment and will proceed through district budgeting and member-town funding decisions. He invited questions from viewers about any of the projects.