LITTLETON — The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has voted to approve the Shaker Lane School building project budget, advancing the plan into the design phase.
According to a statement from Littleton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelly R. Clenchy, the MSBA Board of Directors voted on Aug. 27 to approve 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.”
Superintendent Clenchy said 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,” Clenchy said in her statement.
The proposal calls for a new PreK–2 Shaker Lane School to be built on the upper field behind the current building. With the MSBA’s budget approval, the project now proceeds into the agency’s “Detailed Design” phase.
“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.”
Financing the estimated net project cost will require voter approval of a debt exclusion override. The Special Town Meeting warrant for Oct. 28 includes an article to authorize construction of a new Shaker Lane School; if approved, a debt exclusion question will appear on the Nov. 1 ballot.
Community members may tour the current Shaker Lane School at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, followed by an informational session. Additional project information and FAQs are available on the district’s Shaker Lane webpage.
