The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is a state agency that partners with communities to improve public school buildings across Massachusetts by providing financial reimbursement to cities and towns for eligible construction and renovation projects.
What is the MSBA
What is the Accelerated Repair Program?
The Accelerated Repair Program (ARP) is an MSBA Program designed to extend the life of school buildings, improve energy efficiency & address safety & accessibility needs.
Projects Included For Winchendon
Memorial Elementary School
Window & Door Replacement:
- Windows are approximately 50 years old
- Energy loss, drafts & condensation
- Improves security, ventilation & efficiency
ADA Accessibility Upgrades:
- Accessible Building Entrances & Interior Routes
- Restroom Accessibility Updates
- Elevator Updates
- Key Program Areas: Cafeteria, Gym &
- Common Spaces
Full Roof Replacement:
- Roofs at or beyond useful life
- Active leaks & moisture issues
- Energy inefficiencies
Toy Town Elementary School
ADA Accessibility Upgrades:
- Elevator for Accessible Access Between Floors (Replacing Non-Working Chair Lift)
- Accessible Building Entrances & Interior Routes
- Restroom Accessibility Updates
- Key Program Areas: Cafeteria, Gym &
- Common Spaces
Full Roof Replacement:
- Roofs at or beyond useful life
- Active leaks & moisture issues, ponding water
- Energy inefficiencies
Murdock Middle/High School
Full Roof Replacement:
- Roofs at or beyond useful life
- Active leaks & moisture issues
- Energy inefficiencies
- Replacing both flat & steep-slope roof areas
Project Cost
MSBA Reimbursement Rate: 77.53%
Estimated Local Share: 22.47%
These numbers are early estimates based on state guidelines. They are intentionally on the high side to make sure the project is fully covered. The work will be put out to competitive bid, and final costs often come in lower than the estimate. If that happens, the town only borrows and pays its share of the actual cost.
Memorial Elementary School | Toy Town Elementary School | Murdock Middle/High School | |
|---|---|---|---|
Project Scope | Windows/Doors, ADA Upgrades, Roof Replacement | ADA Upgrades Including Elevator, Roof Replacement | Roof Replacement |
Total Project Cost | $11,623,495 | $9,364,675 | $6,881,394 |
MSBA Share (77.53%) | $8,550,850 | $6,878,978 | $5,063,346 |
Town Share (22.47%) | $3,072,645 | $2,485,697 | $1,818,049 |
Why Now?
- All 3 roofs expected to fail within the next 5 years and will need to be replaced. If the town elects not to appropriate the funds/move forward with the project, the roof replacements & ADA updates will still need to be completed with 100% funding from the town.
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility upgrades are required when significant building renovations occur. Under state and federal guidelines, when renovation costs exceed 30% of a building’s value, accessibility improvements must be made to bring key areas into compliance.
- If a district opts out of the Accelerated Repair Program, it typically takes 10 years to be accepted into the program again.
What Happens Next?
- MSBA is scheduled to vote to approve Winchendon’s Schematic Design submission on February 25, 2026.
- Winchendon voters will be asked to approve funding to allow the town to move forward in partnering with the MSBA at a Special Town Meeting in March/April, 2026.
- If approved at Town Meeting, the project will go before Winchendon voters in a ballot vote at the Annual Town Election on May 4, 2026.
- Following voter approval & MSBA authorization, the project will be bid out and construction will begin during the Summer of 2027.
- Final project costs will be based on competitive bids. The town only borrows what is needed, and MSBA reimbursement is based on actual eligible expenses.
Need more information?
Session Dates & Locations:
February 27th at 10:00 AM – Coffee with Central, Central Office Conference Room
March 11th at 6:30 PM – Beals Library Auditorium
March 24th at 10:30 AM – Senior Center
March 24th at 5:30 PM – Murdock High School Auditorium