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School Committee approves FY27 capital projects and sends HVAC step to Special Town Meeting
Summary
The Harvard School Committee approved a slate of FY27 facility projects and voted to send the first phase of an HVAC warrant article (up to $200,000) to a Special Town Meeting; most projects would be funded from the Capitalization Stabilization Fund while larger HVAC work would require a debt-exclusion bond and MSBA approvals.
The Harvard School Committee on Sept. 22 approved a package of facility improvement projects for fiscal 2027 and voted to send the first phase of a proposed HVAC warrant article to a Special Town Meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Linda Dwight presented a list of proposed FY27 projects that included auditorium seating to meet ADA standards, flooring and locker replacements, restroom renovations and potential HVAC and roof work. She told the committee most items could be funded from the district’s Capitalization Stabilization Fund, while the HVAC work would require a debt-exclusion bond if it proceeds beyond the initial phase.
"The cost of the projects would become a part of the FY27 budget after being presented to Town Meeting to be approved," Dr. Dwight said, explaining the community vote is the next procedural step. She added that some projects have had bids split into smaller parts because of contractor interest and that the district is seeking updated quotes.
The committee voted 4–0 to approve the capital projects presented. Dr. Katharine Covino moved the motion; Amy Morton seconded.
Dr. Dwight also told members the first step of the HVAC project, estimated at up to $200,000, is scheduled to go to the Special Town Meeting on Sept. 27 for voter consideration. The superintendent said larger phases would require MSBA review and a debt-exclusion bond if the town approves work beyond the initial funded step.
Why it matters: the projects address accessibility, safety and deferred maintenance across district buildings. Moving the HVAC step to Town Meeting gives voters the opportunity to decide whether to authorize initial funding; the committee’s approval starts the town-level process that determines the district’s FY27 capital budget obligations.
What's next: the HVAC step will be presented at the Special Town Meeting; the district will seek updated contractor quotes on several items and refine timelines and funding plans ahead of the FY27 budget cycle.
