The proposed new $79.1 million high school project took another step forward last week with the official approval of its scope and budget by the Massachusetts School Building Authority's Board of Directors.
The authority brass signed off on the project proposal last month, agreeing to pick up $43.7 million of the tab, but the authority's Board of Directors officially signed off last week, paving the way for Town Meeting and the voters to weigh in on the idea.
Selectmen last week said they were looking into the timeline of when they would have to vote to put a debt exclusion override question on the April 6 ballot.
Selectman Bill Plasko said he believes the deadline is some time in February, but agreed the board should ask town counsel to get a firm date.
Selectman Tom McQuaid, who is also chairman of the School Facilities Task Force, said he would prefer to err on the side of caution.
"I'd like to see this in front of the board at least two weeks before the deadline to give us some time in case we don't have a full board that night for whatever reason," said McQuaid.
Four of the five selectmen must vote to put the question on the ballot for the proposal to continue.
Selectman Helen Donohue has been the lone dissenting voice on the board, saying she can't support any project that will result in the demolition of the existing high school.
"That building has been professionally assessed at $14.6 million dollars," said Donohue. "Where's the reasonableness in knocking down a $14 million dollar building? It doesn't make any sense."
But her board colleagues have been supportive of the project that would cost the town an estimated $35.4 million after the state pays its share.
Officials will have a better cost estimate soon. Construction bids are available for prospective contractors today. Bids for subcontractors are due Feb. 27 and for general contractors March 13.
A special Town Meeting to get approval to spend the override money, if voters approve the package, has not been called yet, but officials are hoping to have it March 23.
School Committee Chairman Paul Samargedlis said the High School Working Group will be making a presentation to Town Meeting, but the School Committee will also be involved.
"I know the selectmen are technically the eligible applicant (with the state), but this is a school project and people need to know how this building fits into our educational needs and vision," said Samargedlis.
If the override is approved, construction is expected to begin April 21.
The first phase of the project will include setting up perimeter fencing and establishing the work zone behind the existing school. It will also result in one of the high school's two gymnasium's being torn down.
The new building is scheduled to be open in 2011, after which the existing school will be torn down.
Daily News staff writer Brian Falla can be reached at 781-433-8339 or bfalla@cnc.com
