January 27, 2011
Easton Schools Seek State Funds
A new program available from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) - who works with local communities to identify school facility needs, develop fiscally responsible and educationally appropriate solutions, and create safe, sound, and sustainable learning environments - has many towns, including Easton, submitting statements of interest to fix leaky roofs and replace outdated boilers on each.
While the town’s capital plan lists the boilers and roofs at Parkview, Moreau Hall, and Center schools, it also includes the old roof section at Easton Middle School that was not included in the recent renovations and construction at that school.
Each town must prioritize its list and Superintendent of Schools Michael Green said Parkview School, built in 1961, is Eason’s top priority to have its roof and two boilers replaced.
According to the town’s capital plan, a roof replacement is estimated to cost approximately $664,000 while the boilers are estimated at $134,000.
Green said the deadline to apply for grant money is Jan. 26 but he does not know when the town would hear whether they had been selected because that depends on the number of districts applying and how the MSBA prioritizes the projects that has been given to them for approval.
Submitting a statement of interest and being selected by the MSBA does not commit the town to spending any money on the project. Not unless they have been chosen or selected already.
If the town is selected, Green said the MSBA would give a reimbursement rate and the town could decide at that point whether to go forward with the project or not.
Comments Off