LITTLETON — Littleton Public Schools and the Shaker Lane Building Committee announce that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has voted to approve the project budget for the Shaker Lane School Building Project, marking a significant milestone in the project’s development that moves it into the design phase.
At its Aug. 27 meeting, the MSBA Board of Directors approved a total project budget of $99,704,151, with an estimated maximum facilities grant of $38,192,408.
“This approval represents a major milestone for our community and for the future of education in Littleton,” said Superintendent Clenchy. “We are grateful to the MSBA for their partnership and support, and we are excited to continue moving forward with a project that would provide our youngest learners with a safe, modern, and inspiring learning environment.”
The grant is almost $8.8 million more than initially projected, allowing for a significant reduction in the projected tax increase required to complete construction. The Town has aggressively pursued options to lower the burden on taxpayers, through the School Building Stabilization Fund and Debt Exclusion Stabilization Fund.
The project proposes a new PreK-2 Shaker Lane on the upper field behind the current building. The project has advanced through the MSBA’s multi-step eligibility and design process, with significant input from educators, families, and community members.
“This project has been years in the making, and the MSBA’s approval brings us one step closer to constructing a school building that reflects the needs and aspirations of Littleton’s students and families,” said Stephen Moore, Chair of the Shaker Lane School Building Committee. “We thank the community for its ongoing support and participation in this process.”
With the MSBA’s budget approval, the project team will continue into the MSBA’s Detailed Design phase.
Financing the estimated net project cost will require the Town to ask residents to approve a debt exclusion override for the net amount of this bond.
On Oct. 28, the Special Town Meeting warrant includes an article to approve the building of a new Shaker Lane School.
If approved at the Special Town Meeting, a debt exclusion vote will appear on the ballot on Nov. 1.
Community members interested in touring the current Shaker Lane School can do so at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, followed by an informational session.
Project information, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions, may be found at the LPS Shaker Lane webpage here.
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