Independent reviews by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) have found that
the current school no longer meets the educational needs of our students now or in the future.
The reality is our current building has reached the end of its life as a viable educational
institution.
The school has outdated and deteriorating systems and infrastructure, overcrowding in
classrooms, halls and cafeteria, poor energy efficiency, lack of natural light, inadequate fire
protection, and spaces (assembly hall, music room) converted to classrooms to address
overcrowding.
As a result of those findings, the MSBA has accepted Franklin County Tech into its highly
competitive school building program. In order to go forward, funding for the project would need
to be approved by our 19 district communities.
FCTS is proposing to build a new 211,075 square foot, H-shaped school adjacent to its current
location at 82 Industrial Boulevard, Turners Falls. If the project is approved by member
communities, the school is projected to be open by for the beginning of the 2030-2031 school
year. The communities vote on the proposal in October.
If a new school is approved and constructed, FCTS would qualify for up to 60% of MSBA
reimbursement funding, with the actual figure likely coming in at around 50%. At a projected
cost of $246 million for a new school, a 50% state reimbursement would cut the cost by close to
$125 million.
If the project is not approved the school would lose reimbursement funding from the MSBA, but
repairs, replacements and improvements would still need to be made costing approximately $75
million. Even then, the serious underlying problems would still not be resolved and more money
would need to be spent in coming years just to keep the aging and deteriorating school
operational.
The cost of any repairs, replacements and improvements now or in the future would be paid by
the taxpayers in our 19 district communities.
Our goal is to provide our students with the highest quality academic and vocational educational
experience possible in a modern, sustainable, safe and accessible facility. A new school would be
a fresh, up-to-date facility that would meet the needs of Franklin County Tech students for
decades to come.
A new school would be a community asset and include access to the Apprentice Restaurant,
Cosmetology salon, adult education classes, events in the auditorium, athletic competitions,
community events, and various services. Franklin County Tech belongs to all of the citizens of
Franklin County and we would very much appreciate your support for this project. Thank you.
