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FRANKLIN COUNTY TECHNICAL SCHOOL

MSBA BUILDING PROJECT

  October 6, 2026 Vote

 

1. Why is a project needed? What issues does the current facility have?

 

  •  The FCTS facility was built in 1976 and is now 50 years old.
  •  MSBA determined that the facility no longer meets today’s educational, safety, and infrastructure needs.
  •  Critical building systems are reaching the end of their useful life:
  •  Mechanical and electrical systems
  •  Dust collection and fume extraction systems
  •  Roof
  •  The new school will provide additional, appropriately sized learning spaces to better accommodate current enrollment and future growth, reducing overcrowding in classrooms, labs, shops, and common areas.
  •  The current layout limits both educational opportunities and school security.

 

2. Why is FCTS proposing a new building instead of repairs?

 

  •     Renovation would not resolve key needs:
  •  The option would not meet the established project goals and therefore would not qualify for MSBA reimbursement.
  •  Classroom overcrowding and undersized spaces would remain.
  •  The educational program and enrollment would remain constrained.
  •  Renovation is estimated at approximately $125 million and would still require significant upgrades and disruption.
  •  A major renovation would require substantial code and infrastructure work, including:
  •  A fire sprinkler system
  •  A new roof, insulation, and structural upgrades for weight and snow loads
  •  Replacement of air handling, heating, and fresh-air systems
  •  New electrical and data systems
  •  Repairs to under-slab plumbing, requiring portions of the floor slab to be opened
  •  Exterior wall and building-envelope upgrades to meet energy codes
  •  A repair/renovation approach would also require:
  •  Approximately four years of phased construction, with 8–10 phases
  •  Temporary classroom trailers
  •  Moving equipment out of construction areas and back again, including temporary power and data needs
  •  Relocating shop instruction such as carpentry, welding, and automotive work within the building or potentially renting space elsewhere and transporting students

 

 

3. What is the total cost of the new school and how much will the state reimburse?

 

  •  Total project cost: approximately $236.6 million.
  •  MSBA reimbursement: up to approximately $113.8 million.
  •  Local district share: approximately $122.8 million.
  •  The MSBA reimbursement is not a flat percentage of the total project cost. Certain costs, including some site and project-related expenses, are not eligible for reimbursement, and reimbursement is subject to MSBA eligibility requirements and caps.
  •  The District and project team have made decisions throughout the process with the goal of maximizing available state reimbursement while meeting the educational and operational needs of the new school.

 

 

4. Where can I vote, and why is a Special Election being held?

 

  •  Voting will take place at the standard polling locations in each of the 19 member towns on October 6 from 12- 8 PM.
  •  Your Town Clerk can provide your polling location.
  •  The vote must occur on the same day and at the same time in all 19 towns.
  •  The October 6 date was selected to support the strongest practical turnout, after school is back in session and while allowing time for district outreach.
  •  The MSBA project schedule requires the vote within a specific timeframe, which precludes a later date.
  •  The District is covering the costs to the towns associated with the special election.

 

 

5. What happens if the vote passes?

 

  •  Under the Regional District Agreement, approval of the project requires a simple majority of voters—meaning more than half of the votes cast must be in favor.
  •  The FCTS District would issue bonds to finance the local share of the project.
  •  The District would enter into a funding agreement with MSBA for up to $113.8 million in reimbursement.
  •  The project would proceed according to the established project timeline.

 

6. What happens if the vote does not pass?

 

  •  The District would forfeit approximately $113.8 million in MSBA reimbursement.
  •  The District would still need to address approximately $125.3 million in major repairs through multiple phased projects.
  •  The full scope of a major repair option would need to be designed and studied.
  •  The District would need to submit a new Statement of Interest to MSBA, with no guarantee that the District would be invited back into the program.
  •  MSBA would not provide reimbursement for planning costs.

 

7. What is the project timeline?

 

  •  If approved, detailed design and bidding will continue through 2027.
  •  Construction is expected to begin in 2028.
  •  The new school is anticipated to open for students in Fall 2030.

 

8. How was the proposed solution selected?

 

  •  FCTS applied to the MSBA program in April 2022.
  •  A Building Task Force was formed, and an Owner’s Project Manager and design team were hired.
  •  Community input was gathered to establish project goals, including input from the School Committee, educators, school leaders, parents, town officials, and industry representatives.
  •  Five project priorities were established:
  •  Education
  •  Community
  •  Value
  •  Efficiency
  •  Character
  •  Eight (8) development options were evaluated, including repairs only, renovation with additions, and new-building options.
  •  Construction cost estimates were developed to compare the options.
  •  The School Committee selected the option that best met the project goals and provided the best overall value and return on investment.

 

9. How are costs shared among the 19 member towns?

 

  •  The project cost would be shared among Franklin Tech’s 19 member communities through the District’s existing assessment formula.
  •  Each community’s share is calculated using:
  •  50% population, based on the most recent U.S. Census
  •  50% equalized valuation, based on the most recent Department of Revenue report
  •  Annual projections for each town are available on the project website.

 

10. Will the per-student costs for each town increase as a result of the project?

 

  •  The project does not create a direct increase to the towns’ annual operating assessments. The costs are tied specifically to the capital costs of financing the new school building and will be reflected through the District’s capital assessment.
  •  The District’s annual capital costs and each town’s capital assessments are expected to increase during the term of the bond.
  •  The impact on each member town will vary based on the District’s assessment formula.
  •  The MSBA reimbursement significantly reduces the local cost of the project.
  •  The project replaces aging infrastructure and is intended to reduce the need for ongoing costly repairs.
  •  The investment provides a modern facility designed to serve students and the community.

 

11. How can I determine my household tax impact?

 

  •     Financing projections anticipate the first project-related debt service in Fiscal Year 2028, with the financial impact increasing over the following several years as construction borrowing transitions to long-term bonds. The debt service is expected to reach its more consistent annual level beginning around Fiscal Year 2031.
  •  Use the tax impact calculator at fctsnewbuildingproject.us.
  •  Select your municipality and enter your assessed property value
  •  The calculator is a planning tool. Actual impacts will depend on final project costs, financing, and local tax rates.
  •  Contact your town assessor for information about available exemptions or assistance programs.

 

Estimated average annual household increase by member town

Member Town

Estimated Average Home Increase

Member Town

Estimated Average Home Increase

Bernardston

$227.83

Montague

$205.19

Buckland

$232.32

New Salem

$229.02

Colrain

$190.91

Northfield

$198.15

Conway

$248.42

Orange

$239.57

Deerfield

$284.98

Shelburne

$237.37

Erving

$86.82

Sunderland

$334.66

Gill

$242.83

Warwick

$202.92

Greenfield

$253.71

Wendell

$184.59

Heath

$169.84

Whately

$250.66

Leyden

$240.84

 

 

 

12. How many new positions will be created with this project?

 

  •  The project is not expected to create a direct increase in staffing because the new building will continue to support the same educational programs currently offered by FCTS.
  •  The goal is to provide improved, more efficient spaces for students and staff rather than expand staffing needs.

 

13. Will the building be energy efficient? Will it be less expensive to operate?

 

  •  The new school is designed with hybrid geothermal and air-source HVAC systems, energy-efficient lighting and controls, Stretch Energy Code compliance, and LEED certification goals.
  •  The project may qualify for energy rebates and tax credits that could further offset project costs.
  •  Updated building systems, energy-efficient features, and reduced maintenance needs are expected to improve operational efficiency.
  •  While the larger, modern facility may result in some additional operating costs, these increases are expected to be partially offset by improved efficiency, lower maintenance demands, and reduced energy consumption compared with the current aging building.

 

14. What is the student enrollment of the new school? What is the maximum enrollment?

 

  •  MSBA design enrollment for the new building is 600 students at 80% capacity.
  •  With the additional Vet Tech and Aviation buildings, the campus targets 636 students.
  •  The District plans to maintain current enrollment levels of approximately 670 students.
  •  The facility has flexibility to house up to 736 students, if needed.
  •  FCTS was mindful not to overbuild, given the region’s current declining population trend and the desire to maintain healthy regional options for students.

 

15. What programs will the new school support?

 

  •  The project supports all current FCTS Career Technical Education (CTE) and academic programs.
  •  Updated, industry-aligned spaces will enhance student learning.
  •  The project includes modern shops, labs, classrooms, and technology to support hands-on training, workforce development, and future program growth while meeting current industry and safety standards.
  •  A full list of current programs is available atus.

 

16. How will this new building address modern educational needs?

 

  •  The new school is designed to meet MSBA, DESE, and Chapter 74 vocational education standards.
  •  Modern, industry-standard labs and shops will support hands-on career preparation.
  •  Advanced technology and flexible learning spaces will support group, multidisciplinary, and project-based learning.
  •  The building will create a safer, healthier learning environment by addressing existing deficiencies in ventilation, electrical power, and other building systems.
  •  Purpose-built spaces will better prepare students for today’s workforce and future careers while supporting evolving technologies, industry practices, and educational programs.

 

17. Does the proposed project include a new stadium, sports fields, and parking?

 

  •  The project does not include construction of a new stadium. To help control costs, the existing football field and track will be retained.
  •  The baseball and softball fields will need to be relocated or replaced as part of the project to improve site circulation, safety, and emergency access.
  •  Site improvements include parking and traffic-flow enhancements to support a safe and efficient campus while meeting current requirements.
  •  The focus remains on providing a modern educational facility that supports students, CTE programs, and the community.
  •  The existing Aviation Hangar and Animal Science outbuildings will be retained and continue to be used for educational purposes. They are not included in the scope of the new building project.

 

18. How does this affect the entire community?

 

  •  Economic benefits:
  •  A well-trained workforce that supports local businesses and regional economic growth
  •  Retaining graduates can help strengthen and grow the local population
  •  Greater economic vibrancy
  •  Value of skilled trades:
  •     Provides students with career pathways that encourage graduates to stay in the region, live locally, and contribute to the community.
  •     Graduates are provided the skills and training to start businesses, become employers, adn create future jobs in the region
  •  Adult education and lifelong learning:
  •  Expanded opportunities for adult learners to gain new skills, pursue certifications, and strengthen the local workforce

 

 

 

18. Where can I vote, and why is a Special Election being held?

 

  •  Voting will take place at the standard polling locations in each of the 19 member towns.
  •  Your Town Clerk can provide your polling location.
  •  The vote must occur on the same day and at the same time in all 19 towns.
  •  The October 6 date was selected to support the strongest practical turnout, after school is back in session and while allowing time for district outreach.
  •  The MSBA project schedule requires the vote within a specific timeframe, which precludes a later date.
  •  The District is covering the costs to the towns associated with the special election.

 

 

19. Who is overseeing the project? What is the MSBA and what is its role?

 

  •  Local oversight is provided by the School Building Committee, including educators, school leaders, parents, town officials, and industry representatives.
  •  State oversight includes the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
  •  Colliers Project Leaders serves as the Owner’s Project Manager.
  •  Lavallee Brensinger Associates is the project Architect, supported by 17 sub-consultants with expertise in areas such as engineering, energy, construction cost estimating, and environmental investigations.
  •  The MSBA:
  •  Partners with Massachusetts communities to fund and oversee public school building projects
  •  Was created by the Legislature in 2004 and is supported by a dedicated revenue stream
  •  Expected to reimburse 66.27% of eligible costs for this project
  •  Uses a nine-step process designed to ensure rigorous educational, fiscal, and safety standards
  •  Learn more about MSBA at: https://www.massschoolbuildings.org/

 

 

 

Project information: fctsnewbuildingproject.us  |  FCTS: fcts.us  |  MSBA: massschoolbuildings.org