Falmouth approves $2 million for Lawrence School feasibility step to pursue MSBA support

Select Board Chair Bob Moskowi and Town Manager Mike Crenshaw said town meeting approved $2,000,000 to fund feasibility work for the Lawrence School that is required to pursue Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) reimbursement.

Crenshaw said the appropriation is intended to hire an owner's project manager (OPM), architect and engineers to evaluate renovation versus demolition and rebuilding. He noted the MSBA process requires these preliminary steps to establish eligibility for a potential grant that the meeting referenced as up to about 38.5% reimbursement.

Moskowi said the Select Board and school committee will finalize appointments to the school building committee on April 13 and that the feasibility study will evaluate cost‑benefit options including preserving historically important elements of the building versus replacement.

Next steps: Appointments to the school building committee and procurement of an OPM and design team. The town will follow MSBA procedures, with final decisions and any reimbursement requests going through that state process.