Opinion: A new Old Colony building makes financial sense

Sound financial sense is required for citizens to be truly informed. 

Taxes are a personal financial burden, but some public investments are too critical to live without. This is the central issue on the ballot for the Old Colony building project.

Vocal critics question why this project deserves a second vote after failing in November. While skepticism is fair, Old Colony is 50 years old, the age when Massachusetts schools require replacement. We must build new or renovate. 

A raw renovation is budgeted at $134 million, but local taxpayers must fund 100% of it. In contrast, constructing a new facility costs $288 million but qualifies for a massive $140 million grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). This slashes the net debt shared among member towns to just $148 million.

While renovation seems cheaper initially, it is a long-term financial trap. A decade of repairing a 50-year-old facility exposes taxpayers to unpredictable overruns, contractor premiums, temporary modular classrooms, and the potential risk of hazardous environmental materials like lead and asbestos and its costly removal. 

The June 20 vote directly delivers a modernized facility;  with new technical shops and key Special Education Department spaces currently missing from the school. 

Securing a $140 million state subsidy is the most responsible path forward. It protects towns from absorbing emergency repair liabilities alone while ensuring a safe, competitive educational future for our students. Vote yes.

Joshua Major Jr. 

Lakeville

Old Colony junior