Holliston committee advances $2.5M MSBA feasibility‑study warrant article ahead of May vote

The Holliston School Committee discussed pursuing a $2.5 million warrant article in May to fund a high‑school feasibility study and to start the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) eligibility process.

A district presenter explained the feasibility study’s scope—program assessment, site analysis, schematic design, cost estimating and educational programming—and said the study typically takes 12–18 months. The presenter said submitting the warrant article in May (the committee referenced a May 11 town meeting date) would start the eligibility period on June 1 and keep the district aligned with MSBA timelines; delaying to the fall would slow the process and likely increase costs because of rising construction prices.

The presenter estimated the MSBA reimbursement rate for large projects at approximately 50% for the town, but warned that many items (septic systems, pools, other community additions) often are not fully reimbursed and would remain local costs. The committee discussed how the project’s scope will determine what MSBA will and will not reimburse and noted that some town decisions about preserving existing community facilities could affect net reimbursement. Members also discussed forming a school building committee and public engagement ahead of town votes.

Committee members asked for clarity on timing and contingency plans if voters delay funding; administrators said unused feasibility funds would remain in the capital account and could be repurposed later if not expended on the feasibility work.

The committee was asked to prepare for a May vote and to appoint a school‑building committee to manage the process if the warrant article moves forward.