Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Construction topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Blackstone‑Millville committee votes to use district‑wide ballot path for regional school funding
Summary
The Blackstone‑Millville Regional School Committee voted unanimously July 6 to pursue a district‑wide (M.G.L. c.71, §16N) ballot to authorize borrowing for a proposed regional middle‑high school, and delegated two members to coordinate polling logistics with the towns.
The Blackstone‑Millville Regional School Committee on July 6 voted to move forward with a district‑wide ballot under Massachusetts General Law c.71, §16N to seek voter authorization for borrowing tied to the approved regional middle‑high school project. The motion, moved by Jane and seconded by Carrie, passed by roll call with all members present voting yes.
The recommendation to use the §16N process came from consultant Kelly, who said the path is “far more streamlined” for a district project and allows the district to present a single ballot question where the entire district’s voters decide. Kelly told the committee that MSBA (the state school building authority) would provide final reimbursement numbers in late summer and that the committee would still vote later to authorize the actual debt once those figures are certain.
Chair Tyler Locken said the vote tonight was not the debt‑authorization vote but rather a choice about how to place the question before voters. He added that the committee would have another formal vote to authorize the debt once MSBA delivers a final cost and reimbursement amount.
Committee members discussed the alternative M.G.L. c.71, §16D town‑meeting process, which would require separate town meetings in each member town and carries a mandatory 60‑day scheduling period that could push timelines into winter. Member questions centered on timing, how the debt exclusion would appear on ballots, and which October 1 population split would determine town shares if a debt exclusion is required.
After adopting §16N, the committee unanimously approved a second motion delegating Dan Keefe and Tara Larkin to coordinate with the two towns’ select boards and clerks on the number and location of polling places, uniform hours (between four and eight consecutive hours), ballot printing and other logistics required by §16N and the regional agreement. Keefe and Larkin will work with town clerks to set dates and help plan informational presentations for residents ahead of the vote.
Why it matters: The committee’s decision sets the procedural route for placing the school financing question before district voters, a timing and process decision that affects outreach, ballot language and the schedule for final debt authorization once MSBA confirms reimbursement figures.
