The Lynn School Committee voted Feb. 27 to authorize superintendent staff to submit three statements of interest (SOIs) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) under the Accelerated Repair Program.

The three SOIs authorize feasibility review and potential future applications for: (1) replacement of the roof at Lynn Classical High School as a primary priority; (2) replacement of windows and doors at Robert L. Ford Elementary School to improve security and energy conservation as a secondary priority; and (3) replacement of the Lynn Vocational Technical Institute's failing natural-gas-fired HVAC system with a heat-pump system to increase energy efficiency (also a secondary priority). For each SOI staff read the required acknowledgment language that submission of an SOI does not guarantee MSBA approval or funding.

Committee members discussed the projects and noted a potential funding partnership with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, which the district hopes could help cover the city's match for HVAC upgrades. The committee also reported that MSBA staff will be conducting building walk-throughs in the district as part of its regular review cycle.

Each SOI was moved, seconded and approved by roll-call vote; members present voted yes on all three SOIs (Member Castellanos, Member Dugan, Member Gaitley, Member Pena, Member Reid, Member Satterwhite and Mayor Nicholson). Staff cautioned that MSBA acceptance is competitive and that the district would be submitting multiple projects in different priority categories to avoid internal competition.

The approved SOIs allow district staff to pursue feasibility studies and, if warranted, full applications to MSBA and potential complementary funding such as programs from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.