Select Board approves MSBA Statement of Interest for Taylor School renovation

The Foxborough Select Board voted March 18 to approve the School Committee’s Statement of Interest (SOI) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for the Taylor School.

School committee and board members described the proposal as a renovation and modernization project, not a full teardown. The plan anticipates an addition to provide separate space for music, art and other programs while addressing functional issues involving the gymnasium and cafeteria that currently adjoin classrooms. The school sits on nearly 12 acres, board members said, and the town’s Department of Public Works would extend sewer service to the site as part of project preparations.

Board discussion covered timing and funding: the SOI would move through MSBA scoring and is not expected to enter active state discussion until late 2025; if selected, hiring an Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) would require municipal funds (the board referenced prior OPM costs near $800,000). MSBA reimbursement percentages were discussed; although a theoretical split was mentioned (about 52% in prior guidance), speakers said caps on some site costs and other limits commonly reduce the effective reimbursement and they now expect the MSBA share may be closer to 45% of total eligible costs.

Board members recalled prior SOI submissions that fell short of available funding and said the competitive nature of MSBA rounds means the town must prepare supporting documentation carefully. After discussion the board moved and approved the SOI for submission to the MSBA.

Next steps: the SOI will be filed with MSBA and, if the project advances, the town will need to identify funds for OPM and early pre‑design work.