Feasibility Study for School District Space Needs

Dear Friends,

You may have read the Grafton News which, over the past two weeks, has summarized the meeting of the Grafton Secondary School Building Committee (SSBC) with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) regarding our school district space needs, selection for a feasibility study and funding of the feasibility study.

This feasibility study will be conducted by the state and the town and will determine what solution to our space needs issue is both the most sound and cost-effective. The state will examine all possible options to meet our growing student population. The base reimbursement for any building project would be 50.79%.

The town will need to secure funds for the feasibility study. The state will reimburse us at about the same rate of 50.79%. Estimated costs for the feasibility study range from approximately $200,000 - $550,000. However, the exact amount will not be known in advance so we will need to cover the maximum estimate. In order to do so, we will need a Prop. 2½ debt exclusion. (see www.mass.gov for a brief explanation of debt exclusion)

Voting on this issue will take place in May, both at town meeting and on a ballot. At that time, we will only be voting for funding the feasibility study.

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Look for GEA email updates, read the Grafton News for updates, watch SSBC, School Committee and Selectman's meetings on cable
  • Talk to friends and neighbors about the need to determine a solution to our space needs
  • Consider volunteering to:
    • Stuff envelopes for mailings
    • Work in the "get out the vote" campaign
    More will follow on volunteer opportunities
  • VOTE - at Town Meeting and at the ballot box; MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

If we don't fund the feasibility study, we will not be able to move forward.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact us at: info@graftoneducation.org

With appreciation,
Grafton Education Alliance