The Mendon-Upton Regional School District School Committee on April 7 voted to appropriate a total of $34,219,634 for three capital projects: a roof replacement at North Regional High School, building upgrades and equipment across the district's four schools, and outdoor recreational facilities work including a press box and concessions.

The measures, taken as separate motions during the same agenda item, authorize borrowing to pay project costs and related expenses and state that any grant the district receives from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) would reduce the amounts the district must borrow. Doctor Cole, a district staff member who reviewed legal posting requirements, said the committee must notify each member town and publish a paid notice after the vote. "Within 7 days from the date in which the vote's adopted, the district secretary must notify the board of selectmen of each member town of the district to the amount and general purposes of the debt herein authorized as required by chapter 71, section 60 d of the general laws and by the district agreement," Cole said.

Why it matters: the appropriations would fund long‑deferred capital work that district leaders say will extend the useful life of facilities and support educational programs. The motions make clear the district expects the MSBA to review and potentially contribute through its discretionary grant program; the district will be responsible for costs exceeding any grant the MSBA awards.

Key details: the committee moved and approved three separate appropriations: $10,657,452 for a roof replacement at North Regional High School at 90 Pleasant Street in Upton; $11,559,397 for equipment purchases and upgrades across the district's four schools; and $12,002,785 for renovating and constructing outdoor recreational facilities, including a press box, concession stand and restrooms at district schools. Each motion included language authorizing the district treasurer, with school committee approval, to borrow under applicable Massachusetts statutes (the motions referenced M.G.L. chapter 40 and chapter 44) and acknowledged the MSBA grant program is discretionary.

The committee did not record individual roll-call tallies in the meeting transcript; each motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Committee members discussed next steps for required notification and publication: Cole and other staff said the district secretary must send certified written notice to select boards and place a paid notice in a newspaper circulating in the member towns within 10 days of the vote.

Background and caveats: motions included standard grant contingencies and statements that any project costs incurred before or beyond an MSBA grant award would be the district's responsibility. The motions also stated that any appropriation would be reduced by the amount of any grant set forth in a project funding agreement with the MSBA.

The committee did not propose implementation dates or a construction schedule during the meeting; staff said further project-level details would follow as the district coordinates with the MSBA and the town boards that must be notified.

Next steps: staff will prepare the written notices to the boards of selectmen, arrange the required paid newspaper publication and continue project planning pending any MSBA decisions and contract approvals.