District administrators updated the school committee Feb. 24 on capital‑planning steps tied to an upcoming building project and related communications with the public.

The substance: DESE guidance and debt exclusions

Lorna (superintendent) reported staff had contacted Christine Lynch, governance and facilities program manager at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), to clarify whether a town could appropriate local funds above what the regional agreement prescribes. Lynch told staff a town can make a donation above the percentage set in the regional agreement, but DESE staff “do not encourage it” because it can affect net school spending reporting and other compliance items. Lorna and Jay discussed the option as one of several possible local measures; staff said DESE had also confirmed that if a warrant article for debt service fails in either town, the school committee may call a joint town meeting under Chapter 71 procedures to address capital debt appropriations.

MSBA, OPM assignment and schedule

District staff said they had submitted required documentation to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for an accelerated repair program. Lorna said the district was one of four of more than 35 districts that had completed documentation on time for the program, but an owner’s project manager (OPM) assignment was still pending; MSBA had one remaining document to process before making that assignment.

Technical and procurement options

Administrators told the committee that the firm producing cost estimates for building management systems and paging systems was asked to expand its scope to include security systems and to provide options for battery storage systems as an alternative to diesel generators at MISCO. The firm will deliver a financial analysis; speakers said some third parties may install battery systems at no cost and that battery systems might generate grid payments to the district when supplying capacity during peak loads.

Communications and project tracking

Lorna and district staff described an internal capital project tracking tool and a draft communication plan to inform towns and families. Staff said they planned infographics and public meetings (superintendent community circle, building committee meetings) and that Mendon Upton Community Partners (MUCP) will help craft standard messaging. The district will keep an internal project timeline and update a building committee when MSBA provides the OPM assignment.

Why it matters

Capital projects will affect school facilities and local tax obligations. The DESE clarification that towns may donate above regional percentages, while possible, carries reporting and net‑school‑spending consequences; staff cautioned that DESE advised against routine use of that option. Administrators told the committee they continue to refine cost estimates, to consider battery storage as a potential cost‑avoidance or revenue source, and to prepare public outreach materials ahead of additional MSBA steps.