Under the 521 CMR guidelines, repairs exceeding 30% of the building’s assessed value trigger mandatory compliance with modern accessibility and safety codes, which could further strain the school’s resources. Participants noted that spreading the repairs over time could lead to expenditures of $182 million over 30 years, addressing only 70% of the building’s needs.

Financial constraints were a prominent theme, with concerns about the variability of district assessments based on fluctuating student enrollment. Acushnet currently has over 200 students enrolled at Old Colony, with numbers expected to rise by 40 to 50 new students annually. The financial forecast for the school’s operating budget projected increases, with or without state aid, underscoring the community’s reliance on property taxes, which account for 88% of revenue. The potential necessity of a Proposition 2 ½ tax override was discussed as a means to fund operational budgets should the new school construction not proceed.

The discussion also touched on the broader educational landscape in Acushnet, where the lack of a local high school forces students to attend institutions in other districts. Concerns were voiced about this “nomad” situation for children, which contributes to the fiscal burden of tuitioning out students. The ongoing use of a lottery system for high school admissions was debated, with some advocating for a merit-based approach to incentivize student performance.

The financial implications of capital projects have further complicated budget considerations, with the town’s contribution towards education increasing by $685,000 last year. The town’s stabilization and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) funds stand at approximately $1.2 million each, offering limited flexibility to address future emergencies or capital expenditures. Projections suggested an annual budget increase of roughly $1.2 million, exacerbated by rising student enrollment.

One school committee member cautioned against renovating the existing building, citing disruption to education, while others emphasized the need for transparent communication to ensure residents are well-informed ahead of the vote. The potential for significant tax increases was noted, particularly for homeowners with high-value properties.