Committee trying to get the word out about Briggs study
By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER

The John R. Briggs Building Committee is trying to get the word out and get people to support a one-year debt exclusion to create a feasibility study for the elementary school on the June 17 ballot.

Members of the building committee met on Tuesday to help try to determine the outreach that they want to do and how to get the information out about the program. Briggs, in Ashburnham, was ranked in the top 12 percent of schools that needed to be repaired, expanded and renovated or newly constructed by the Massachusetts School Building Authority and therefore was able to enter into an agreement with the MSBA to start the renovation or building process.

"I feel like grassroots outreach is the best way to get information to your neighbors," said Michael Zapantis, the superintendent of Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District.

He said a big part is going to be asking people to support the project.

"I'm asking your help to disseminate the information," he said to the committee that was formed more than a year ago.

The cost of the project, including the feasibility study, will be divided between the state MSBA and the town. The town will receive 53.53 percent reimbursement on the cost of the study and can increase their reimbursement by meeting certain standards from the MSBA as the design process continues.

Zapantis said he thinks the cost would be less than the $400,000.

"The town will be reimbursed on a monthly basis," Zapantis said.

The tax impact is 23 cents for the town's share of the project. That tax impact, which would last for one year, is about $69 for the average household, which is valued at $246,341.

The feasibility study will cover costs such as hiring a project manager, reviewing the site and creating a design for a renovated or new Briggs.

"We've been asked why we even need a feasibility study, why it doesn't go directly to the school," said Doreen Francis, a member of the committee and the director the Extended Day Program.

The feasibility study is part of the state requirements and the building process, said Zapantis.

Building Committee member Charles Packard asked why the feasibility study in Auburn was going to cost about $500,000 and the one for Ashburnham was estimated as less. Zapantis said the MSBA estimated the costs based on student enrollment, the type of school (elementary, middle or high), as well as other variables. The Auburn school being considered for renovation or new building is a middle school housing more than 600 students, as compared to Briggs, an elementary school with just over 500 students, according to the MSBA Web site.

The group is going to focus on getting information out to parents by talking with the Briggs PTA, talking to people at youth baseball and soccer games, as well as by trying to reach people through the cable access channel.

Ashburnham Selectman Christopher Gagnon invited the committee, of which he is a member, to make a short presentation at an upcoming Board of Selectmen meetings, as well as suggested talking with the seniors. He said they are a strong voting block and they are also looking for money to do a feasibility study for a future building.