Overview:
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has accepted Erving Elementary's roof repair and heat pump conversion project into its Accelerated Repair Program, which provides reimbursements on construction costs. The program provides funding for repair or replacement of school infrastructure in schools that are "otherwise structurally, functionally and educationally sound." The project kick-off date is scheduled for March 2, 2026, and the Town of Erving will review what documentation the MSBA needs before the project start date.
ERVING — The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has accepted the roof repair and heat pump conversion project at Erving Elementary into its latest cohort of projects for the Accelerated Repair Program, which provides towns and school districts with reimbursements on construction costs.
The MSBA announced that 93 school building projects, including Erving Elementary, were voted to be invited into the eligibility period of the Accelerated Repair Program by the board of directors during its Oct. 29, meeting.
According to the MSBA, the program provides funding for repair or replacement of infrastructure such as roofs, windows, doors, and heating systems in schools that are “otherwise structurally, functionally and educationally sound.”
“We’re very excited,” Erving School Union 28 Superintendent Shannon White-Cleveland said. “It’s really going to improve the building’s efficiency, safety and long-term sustainability. So we’re really excited about the opportunity.”
According to the MSBA project recommendation memorandum, Erving Elementary is a 46,643-square-foot building built in 1974. The space serves students age pre-K through sixth grade with 113 students enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year. The project kickoff date is scheduled for March 2, 2026.
At the annual Town Meeting in May, voters approved $200,000 from the Capital Stabilization Fund for the feasibility and design phase of the project.
Between now and March, Town Administrator Bryan Smith said the town will review what documentation the MSBA needs before the project start date. This could include a winter special Town Meeting for language that may need to be approved for any further submissions to the MSBA.
“We’re working to make sure everything is in good form,” Smith said.
In February, White-Cleveland and Union 28 Director of Business and Operations Caitlin Anderson May presented to the Selectboard about the MSBA project ahead of the March 21 deadline for their statement of interest to the program. There, they shared that the roof is over 25 years old and leaks are a recurring issue. Additionally, the HVAC system does not keep up with sufficient climate control.
Since the heating system for the school is stored on the roof of the building, White-Cleveland said the replacement of the HVAC system and the roof comes together well, as both upgrades could be completed at once.
At this time, the town’s portion of the project cost has not been finalized, White-Cleveland explained. The MSBA uses a base rate of 31% reimbursement for all projects, with additional reimbursements provided based on three socioeconomic factors; community income, property wealth and poverty levels. Other reimbursements are available for those districts that utilize green energy, among others.
Smith said that he anticipates 2026 will be spent finalizing the necessary paperwork and designs for the project, and 2027 could see construction beginning.
“It’s really a great project,” White-Cleveland said. “In small, rural schools, the school building is truly the hub of a community. It functions as much more than a school, so we’re really excited about the partnership.”
Neighboring towns involved in MSBA
Erving is the latest Franklin County town to be involved in an MSBA project. The neighboring towns of Montague and Gill have ongoing projects, including a new roof at Gill Elementary that was accepted into the Repair Program last winter.
The Gill-Montague Regional School District is waiting on a response from the MSBA related to a statement of interest for a building addition to house both Sheffield and Hillcrest Elementary School students under one roof at the Sheffield School.
Mohawk Trail Regional School District is also waiting to hear back on a statement of interest for a proposed educational facility for all students of the Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School districts.
At the high school level, the Franklin County Technical School is progressing in its MSBA process for a brand new school building, with an anticipated cost of $246 million for construction, with 19 member towns paying between $118 and $129 million spread over 30 years. Community members have been invited to learn more about this MSBA project during a Monday, Nov. 10 information session at Greenfield Community College at 6 p.m.
