State Treasurer Steven Grossman, Chairman of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and MSBA Executive Director Jack McCarthy today announced that the MSBA Board of Directors voted to approve the schematic design and funding for additions and renovations to the Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School in Rochester. One of the next steps is for the District and the MSBA to enter into a Project Funding Agreement, which will detail the project’s scope and budget, along with the conditions under which the District will receive its MSBA grant. The District is eligible to receive reimbursement from the MSBA for 54.16% of eligible expenses with a Maximum Total Facilities Grant for the project of $1,445,915.
“This approval brings the Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School project much closer to fruition,” said Treasurer Grossman. “Our ongoing collaboration with local officials will deliver a top-notch learning environment that will meet the community’s educational demands while saving local and state taxpayer resources.”
The project will consist of replacing the existing roof with a new polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) fully adhered membrane roof system. One science lab in the school will also be renovated in compliance with MSBA science lab guidelines. Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School was built in 1975 and serves approximately 570 students in grades 9 through 12.
“In collaboration with district leadership, we are addressing deficiencies identified at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School,” Executive Director McCarthy said. “This is the most cost-effective plan to provide an excellent educational environment for students in the Old Colony Regional School District.”
The MSBA partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally-appropriate, flexible, sustainable and cost-effective public school facilities. Since its creation, the MSBA has made more than $9.5 billion in timely payments to cities, towns and regional school districts for school construction projects. These payments have saved municipalities over $2.9 billion in avoided local interest costs and have provided much needed cash flow to communities.
