Athol‑Royalston delays feasibility vote, aims to fund MSBA local share without town votes

The Athol‑Royalston Regional School Committee postponed a planned vote on an MSBA feasibility study after bond counsel and MSBA officials had not yet provided required guidance.

The lead presenter told the committee the MSBA feasibility process operates on a pay‑as‑you‑go basis and described a goal of funding the district’s local share from existing reserves so towns would not need to appropriate funds. “We’re 95% confident that we can go in under 1.6 million and bring that local assessment down even further,” the presenter said, noting the district had pared initial project figures and estimated a tentative local share of roughly $270,000 split between Athol and Royalston.

Officials said the district can expend the local share first and then submit receipts for MSBA reimbursement under the program. They described possible funding sources including school‑choice receipts and reserve balances and said they were working with town managers, finance committees and their financial adviser to confirm the approach.

The presenter outlined an expected feasibility timeline of about 18 months if the process runs smoothly, with the possibility of a two‑year duration. They cautioned that approving a feasibility study does not obligate the district to begin construction; subsequent steps would include detailed cost estimates, potential debt‑exclusion votes, and town meetings if borrowing or appropriations become necessary.

Because unanswered legal and procedural questions remain, the committee opted to wait for bond‑counsel language and MSBA direction before voting. The superintendent indicated the committee may call a special meeting if new information requires a prompt decision to meet town meeting notice deadlines.