Peasley MSBA feasibility work advances; committee accepts $75,475.14 anonymous donation for middle school cafeteria
March 30, 2026 | Town of Northborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts
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The School Committee received an update on the Peasley building project’s work with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and accepted an anonymous donation of $75,475.14 to replace cafeteria tables and paint the Melican Middle School cafeteria.
A Peasley Building Committee representative reported the project is in the MSBA feasibility phase. The design team and town planned to submit a preliminary design package (PDP) the week of March 30 documenting existing conditions, educational programming needs and a site analysis. The committee listed three broad options under study: a code-compliant renovation, a renovation-plus (hybrid) approach, or full new construction. The PDP is expected to be followed by a preferred schematic report due June 26, with a community decision on a preferred option by the end of the summer.
Committee members discussed outreach: a community forum is scheduled before town meeting (4:30 p.m. in the wrestling gym at Algonquin High School) with plans to record the presentation, post materials on a central project website, and provide signage and Q&A time to improve accessibility. Committee members also raised the possibility of on-site childcare to increase participation.
On donations, Becky reported an anonymous donor provided $75,475.14 to replace cafeteria tables, paint walls, and cover labor costs at Melican Middle School; the funds are on hand and work was expected in April. The committee unanimously accepted the gift and asked staff to prepare a thank-you letter to the donor.
The committee emphasized continued community outreach and that forthcoming PDP materials and forum recordings will be used to inform residents ahead of any town-meeting vote on project funding or the preferred option.
A Peasley Building Committee representative reported the project is in the MSBA feasibility phase. The design team and town planned to submit a preliminary design package (PDP) the week of March 30 documenting existing conditions, educational programming needs and a site analysis. The committee listed three broad options under study: a code-compliant renovation, a renovation-plus (hybrid) approach, or full new construction. The PDP is expected to be followed by a preferred schematic report due June 26, with a community decision on a preferred option by the end of the summer.
Committee members discussed outreach: a community forum is scheduled before town meeting (4:30 p.m. in the wrestling gym at Algonquin High School) with plans to record the presentation, post materials on a central project website, and provide signage and Q&A time to improve accessibility. Committee members also raised the possibility of on-site childcare to increase participation.
On donations, Becky reported an anonymous donor provided $75,475.14 to replace cafeteria tables, paint walls, and cover labor costs at Melican Middle School; the funds are on hand and work was expected in April. The committee unanimously accepted the gift and asked staff to prepare a thank-you letter to the donor.
The committee emphasized continued community outreach and that forthcoming PDP materials and forum recordings will be used to inform residents ahead of any town-meeting vote on project funding or the preferred option.
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