Joint School & A&F Committee Meeting — September 14, 2026

On Monday, September 14, 2026, the Swansea School Committee, School Building Committee, and the Advisory and Finance Board convened a joint meeting to review the comprehensive proposal for a new junior high school at the 0 Wood Street campus. Superintendent Scott Holcomb, along with owner's project managers from PMA Consultants (Chad Crittenden, Mitch Miller, Nick Hall) and architect Ron Lamar from Feingold Alexander Architects, delivered a detailed presentation on the project history, site plans, educational specifications, and estimated costs.

The project carries a total budget capped at $149,723,734, designed for an enrollment capacity of 510 students. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) reimbursement, combined with green energy rebates and tax credits, is expected to cover approximately $61,444,746, leaving the town of Swansea an estimated share of $88,278,988. Presenters noted that an alternative repair and code-compliance upgrade to the existing 100-year-old facility was estimated at $98 million with no MSBA assistance. Key topics explored included site work and environmental remediation on the purchased orchard property, spatial requirements, MSBA funding caps, potential traffic impacts along Wood Street, and cost-reduction measures implemented to save over $3 million.

Members of the Advisory and Finance Board raised questions regarding the gap between the MSBA base reimbursement percentage and effective net reimbursement, the necessity of specific non-reimbursable spaces such as an auditorium, and future off-site infrastructure expenses. Following the presentation and discussion, the Advisory and Finance Committee voted unanimously to adjourn, with the School Building Committee and School Committee following by roll call.

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