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School committee unanimously backs submitting $196 million new‑building schematic to MSBA
Summary
The district’s school building committee voted unanimously to submit preferred schematic option 7.4 (a new building) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority, citing an approximate $196 million cost and an expected 58% reimbursement for eligible costs; MSBA review dates and a town vote timeline were outlined.
The Blackstone‑Millville school building committee voted unanimously to submit preferred schematic option 7.4 — a new school building — to the Massachusetts School Building Authority, with a preliminary cost estimate of about $196 million and an expected reimbursement rate of roughly 58% for eligible items.
Committee leaders said the preferred option was chosen because it best meets the district’s educational and long‑term facility goals compared with a base‑repair option (estimated $113 million) and an addition/renovation (estimated $22 million) that would not meet those goals or would cause prolonged construction impacts. The committee expects a roughly 30‑month total project duration, with students able to occupy new spaces in about 18 months after construction starts.
Next procedural steps described to the committee included submission of the preferred schematic to MSBA by Aug. 28, facilities assessment subcommittee review on Sept. 17, an opportunity to respond Oct. 1, and potential MSBA final action on Oct. 29. If MSBA approves, the district will enter schematic design and continue community forums and public input leading toward a town vote expected in late spring/early summer.
Committee members emphasized public engagement opportunities during the schematic phase and noted that final reimbursement percentages will depend on MSBA determination and the set of reimbursable costs.
