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Athol‑Royalston accepted into MSBA eligibility period for high‑school feasibility study
Summary
Administrators said the district was invited into the Massachusetts School Building Authority eligibility period for a high‑school feasibility study; MSBA could reimburse up to 80% of eligible costs and the district will form a building committee and seek town appropriation for the study.
The Athol‑Royalston Regional School Committee learned Dec. 18 that the district has been accepted into the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) eligibility period for a high‑school feasibility study.
Administration told the committee the eligibility period begins with no immediate financial obligation. If the district proceeds, it would have a 270‑day window to appropriate funds to start a feasibility study that architects and designers would perform; administration estimated such a study could cost as much as $1.5 million. Under MSBA rules described at the meeting, the district’s qualifying level of need could make the project eligible for approximately 80% reimbursement of eligible costs, leaving a community share for the remaining 20%.
Administrators emphasized the stage is exploratory: a building committee will be formed that includes community stakeholders and public safety representatives, and towns will have opportunities for public input and vote on appropriations. Officials said they would follow state oversight and legal requirements throughout the MSBA process and would present more details as the district coordinates with select boards in January and February.
No appropriation or binding decision was made at the Dec. 18 meeting; administrators said further updates and community engagement would follow.
