MSBA Responds to Hopkinton's Request to Stay in Capital Pipeline

In a letter dated June 16, 2011, the MSBA responds to Hopkinton's request to stay in the capital pipeline.

"The MSBA appreciates the challenges that school districts face, but the MSBA's regulations specifically include the 120-day deadline for a local appropriation to ensure that the MSBA's capital program funds are targeted toward projects and school districts that are ready and able to make the financial commitment and move forward in a timely manner. Given the overwhelming capital needs of school districts across the Commonwealth and the MSBA's limited capital program funds, the MSBA cannot indefinitely tie up funds allocated for a project that lacks local support."

In order to re-enter the Capital Pipeline, the MSBA says Hopkinton must be able to demonstrate community consensus for a project at Center School. Two options are outlined; (1) submit the same project as proposed and reviewed by the MSBA and obtain voter approval and appropriation no later than March 28, 2012, or (2) start the process anew.

Starting the process anew entails submitting a new Statement of Interest and awaiting a second invitation from the MSBA to the feasibility study phase of the MSBA's process. If a second invitation is issued, the next steps would involve selecting a project manager and designer, completing a new feasibility study and schematic design without financial participation from the MSBA.

See the complete letter from the MSBA attached below.