Northborough committee discusses MSBA-funded Z School roof project as residents face a March town vote

Administrators told the Northborough School Committee on March 4 that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) approved an accelerated-repair roof project for Z School with a gross cost estimated at $5,683,150 and an MSBA contribution of roughly 40%, leaving an expected district share of about $3,084,145. The approval followed MSBA’s competitive selection process, which the district said prioritized roof age and severity.

At the meeting, an administrator detailed the urgency: “I just spoke to Bud Richardson this afternoon and confirmed that we have six active leaks at the Z School,” the facilities representative said, describing active leaks in classrooms, utility spaces and the gym. Committee member Joan pressed for specifics on locations and interim mitigation; the district confirmed custodians are responding to leaks while the district determines which repairs require outside contractors.

The committee discussed the trade-offs of patching versus replacing the roof. One member said patching risks higher long-term costs and potential health issues from water intrusion. District staff said some emergency repairs have been required over recent years and that repeated fixes increase the total expense and operational disruption. “When water penetrates buildings, then you have mold issues,” a district leader said, noting air-quality and learning impacts.

If town voters do not approve the warrant article, the district warned, MSBA funding would not be available and the town would face a larger bill later. Several members cited the finance committee’s recent 0–6 vote against the article and urged staff to prepare clearer materials for advisory-board members and town meeting voters, including photos, condition evidence and cost breakdowns.

The project package also makes the roof “solar-ready.” District staff said the two existing solar arrays at Procter and Lincoln Street are saving about $30,000 a year each (roughly $60,000 combined), and that solar arrays on Z School could be installed months after the roof replacement is complete.

Administration said the architect and OPM will present at Town Meeting if needed, and promised additional outreach to clarify drainage issues, the scope of work, and the MSBA grant terms. The committee agreed to follow up with the finance committee and sharpen explanatory materials for voters before the warrant deadline.