MSBA looks at Briggs for study
By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER

John R. Briggs will be one of the 49 schools that have been invited to begin working with the state on "exploring potential solutions for identified problems."

"It's a beginning step," said Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District Superintendent Michael Zapantis. "It's not a commitment for serious money."

The Massachusetts School Building Authority met on Wednesday to announce the first projects the group will review more in depth under the newly established school building program.

"The School Building Authority wants to speak with us about our statement of interest," Zapantis said.

Zapantis said a small group representing the district will meet in Boston with representatives from the SBA on Friday, Dec. 7, in Boston.

The meeting will help them to develop more of a plan about the feasibility study process and what the invitation will actually entail.

He said the goal is to look at the issues facing Briggs and decide if there are solutions other than building a new building or complete renovation. Zapantis said issues they will look at are the electrical and HVAC systems, as well as the fact that there have been portable classrooms installed at the school for the last 18 years.

The Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School Committee had submitted the MSBA-required Statement of Interest to receive funds to rebuild or renovate Briggs during the summer.

Briggs was one of 423 schools from 162 districts across the state, which is being considered for full funding for repairs or renovations. The MSBA is working to create a comprehensive five-year capital pipeline of $2.5 billion for eligible school construction and renovation projects, according to its Web site.

The building, which was toured by state officials twice in the last two years, rated a four on the MSBA scoring method, meaning it is the most in need of repair or rebuilding. Sixtytwo schools in the state ranked a four.

There has been a moratorium on school building funding from the state for the last four years. During that time the School Building Authority was moved from the Department of Education - where it was the School Building Assistance program - to the State Treasurer's Office.

The district formed the Briggs Building Committee, a 20-member group, which met for the first time in the fall of 2006. Since then they have reviewed the school's existing Williams Road site for environmental issues - finding none, it surveyed the community for its opinions on what the school needs, and the potential of creating a green building.

The 20 members represent six voting blocks that will get a chance to voice their opinions and ideas on the project, while Ashburnham-Westminster Regional Superintendent of School Michael Zapantis and School Committee Chairman David Christianson serve as non-voting co-chairs.

Zapantis said the process is still many steps away from asking voters for funding for a renovation or construction project.