FAQs
What is the MSBA?
The Massachusetts School Building Authority ("MSBA") is a quasi-independent government authority created to reform and oversee the process of funding capital improvement projects in the Commonwealth’s public schools. For more on the MSBA, please visit http://www.massschoolbuildings.org/about
Where does the MSBA get their money?
The MSBA has a dedicated revenue stream of one penny of the state’s 6.25-percent sales tax.
What does it mean to have a vote to enter the “eligibility period?”
After reviewing all of the state’s applications for school building renovations and replacements (“CORE applications,” or “SOIs”), the MSBA chooses a number that can begin the process that may eventually lead to a new or renovated building. During this 270-day period the district is expected to: (1) formulate a building committee); (2) complete an Educational Profile Questionnaire about the School District’s facilities, teaching methodology, grade configurations and program offerings; (3) complete Enrollment and Maintenance and Capital Planning (the “MCP”) online forms, (4) the current routine and capital maintenance plan for our facilities; (5) sign the initial compliance certification; and (6) secure voter approval for funding a feasibility study. Successful completion of all activities in the Eligibility Period will allow the District to be eligible for an MSBA invitation to Feasibility Study.
How did we get to this stage of the project?
In the spring of 2016, the School Department presented its rationale to the Board of Selectmen for partnering with the MSBA to address building deficiencies at the Leicester Middle School. After discussion and several thoughtful questions, the Board of Selectmen agreed that the School Committee should initiate this process by submitting a Statement of Interest to the MSBA, which it did the following month. On February 15, 2017, the MSBA Board of Directors unanimously approved the Statement of Interest, effectively inviting the town to begin the process that may eventually lead to a new middle school. Of the 156 Statements of Interest accepted by the MSBA this year, Leicester was one of 17 projects that were accepted into the program.
What are the current conditions of the Leicester Middle School?
The Leicester Middle School was constructed as a high school in 1961 and its design was more typical of schools found in warmer climates. The modular layout, construction materials, and infrastructure are deteriorated and do not adequately serve the school community, despite the staff’s ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and maintained learning environment. The school’s mechanical and electrical systems are original to the building and provide inefficient and inadequate service. The school is not fully ADA compliant and can only minimally meet the Section 504 requirements of students with environmental sensitivities who require strict temperature controls. The building lacks an automatic fire suppression system (sprinklers and standpipes). Classrooms are small and cramped and there are no dedicated, appropriate spaces for art and music classes.
Could we fix the school building ourselves to make it last for another ten or more years?
Partnering with the MSBA allows us to address all of our school’s building deficiencies comprehensively at half the cost. If we were to address some of the more significant building issues piecemeal, none of the cost would be reimbursed; the town would incur all costs associated with becoming ADA compliant, upgrading the electrical system, providing fire suppression systems, replacing the HVAC system, addressing the various maintenance needs, and, if necessary, housing students in alternative venues while repairs are made.
What is a feasibility study?
The feasibility study, which is conducted by the School Building Committee in partnership with an owner’s project manager (OPM), an architect, and an engineering firm, will evaluate the needs of the school and district and propose possible solutions. The process, which typically takes between 12 and 18 months, includes a comprehensive site survey, an environmental survey, a complete facilities review, a review of programmatic needs, enrollment projections, and design parameters. As a result of this research, the Committee will have a detailed schematic design proposal along with cost and timeline estimates.
How much does a feasibility study cost?
While feasibility studies can range as high as $750,000, the following recent projects provide insight into the potential cost for Leicester Middle School:
Auburn Middle School: $450k (total construction costs: $35,475)
Georgetown MS/HS Renovation $553,030 (total construction costs: $90,129,432)
Lunenburg HS/MS: $446,057 (total construction costs: $60,245,740)
Auburn Middle School: $450k (total construction costs: $35,475)
Georgetown MS/HS Renovation $553,030 (total construction costs: $90,129,432)
Lunenburg HS/MS: $446,057 (total construction costs: $60,245,740)
How can a feasibility study be paid?
At this time, the options for how to pay for the feasibility study is being investigated by the town administrator and is not yet definite. The town may take out a short term loan and pay only on the interest until the construction actually begins, at which time the cost can be rolled in with other costs for the project. This might be about $3-4,000 per year, which can be part of the general budget (not an override or debt exclusion).
What if the Feasibility Study vote doesn’t pass?
If voters choose not to approve funding for a feasibility study for the Leicester Middle School project on May 2nd, the School Building Committee may recommend another attempt within 270 days. However, if a vote is not secured by November 2017, the District will not meet eligibility period requirements and the MSBA will rescind their decision to partner with us.
Does a “yes” vote for the feasibility study constitute a “yes” vote for a Leicester Middle School renovation or construction?
No. An affirmative vote for a feasibility study will simply allow the School Building Committee to work with a project manager, an architect, and engineers to determine whether a new or renovated building is appropriate and develop plans and cost estimates for a construction project. When the feasibility study is complete, voters will be asked to consider approving a construction project at a future Town Meeting.
When might we realize our goal for a new middle school?
270 days (maximum) - Feasibility Period About 18 months - Procure Owner's Project Management and Designer services then collaborate with the MSBA to document the educational program, generate an initial space summary, document existing conditions, establish design parameters, develop and evaluate alternatives, and recommend the most cost effective and educationally appropriate preferred solution to the MSBA Board of Directors for their consideration.
About 2 years - Building Process
This brings us to the fall of 2022 if all votes are secured upon first try.
About 2 years - Building Process
This brings us to the fall of 2022 if all votes are secured upon first try.
What choices do we have for our middle school?
We have a number of choices that should ideally be narrowed down before the feasibility study so that feasibility study costs will be as low as possible. This is an estimate.
Repairs-only
New 6-8 grade middle school at current site
New 5-8 grade middle school at current site
New 6-8 grade middle school at the site of the current football field, replacement of the football field to current middle school site
New 5-8 grade middle school at the site of the current football field, replacement of the football field to current middle school site
New 6-8 grade wing attached to current high school and refurbishment of entire high school facility
New 7-8 grade wing attached to current high school and refurbishment of entire high school facility
A one-school design, adding on to the current high school. This could be done in stages, with 6-8 being done first.
Repairs-only
New 6-8 grade middle school at current site
New 5-8 grade middle school at current site
New 6-8 grade middle school at the site of the current football field, replacement of the football field to current middle school site
New 5-8 grade middle school at the site of the current football field, replacement of the football field to current middle school site
New 6-8 grade wing attached to current high school and refurbishment of entire high school facility
New 7-8 grade wing attached to current high school and refurbishment of entire high school facility
A one-school design, adding on to the current high school. This could be done in stages, with 6-8 being done first.
Additional questions can be submitted through the Superintendent's Office.
Please contact Christine Weisman at [email protected]
Please contact Christine Weisman at [email protected]