MSBA Feasibility Study
Holliston School Committee | May Town Meeting 2026
Holliston School Committee · May Town Meeting 2026
Understanding the MSBA Feasibility Study
Why Holliston is asking for $2,500,000 at the May Town Meeting — and what that investment actually buys us.
Background
What Is the MSBA?
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is a state agency that partners with cities and towns to fund school construction and renovation projects. The MSBA provides significant reimbursements — often covering approximately 50% of eligible project costs — but only after a community completes a rigorous, structured process.
Holliston High School has been invited into the MSBA pipeline — a competitive opportunity that only select communities receive each year.
Purpose
Why a Feasibility Study?
Before the state invests tens of millions of dollars in a school, they require communities to prove the need — rigorously and objectively. The Feasibility Study is that proof.
Assess the Problem
Evaluate existing building conditions, educational adequacy, and capacity.
Explore All Options
Compare renovation, addition, new construction, and other alternatives.
Recommend a Solution
Identify the most educationally sound and cost-effective path forward.
Process
What the Feasibility Study Actually Does
The study is not just one report — it is a comprehensive, multi-phase investigation conducted by specialized consultants under strict MSBA guidelines. Every phase must meet state approval before the next begins.
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Program Assessment
🏫
Building Evaluation
🧭
Options Analysis
📐
Schematic Design
💰
Cost Estimating
Team & Cost
Who Does the Work — and Why It Costs What It Does
The MSBA requires specific, licensed professionals for each component of the study. This isn't optional — it's a condition of participation in the program.
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Owner's Project Manager
Project Oversight
✏️
Designer / Architect
Schematic Design
🏗️
Civil & Structural Engineers
Site Analysis
📚
Educational Programmers
Learning Space
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Cost Estimators
Cost Validation
- All consultants must be MSBA-approved
- Work is reviewed and audited by state officials
- Reports must meet strict documentation standards
- The process typically spans 12–18 months
Budget Breakdown
Breaking Down the $2,500,000
These costs reflect MSBA-mandated scope for a high school of Holliston's size and age. The study budget is reviewed and approved by the MSBA — there is no room for padding or shortcuts.
The MSBA will reimburse a portion of eligible Feasibility Study costs if the town proceeds with the project — making this investment even more prudent.
Context
Comparable Project Feasibility Study Costs
Holliston's request is aligned with what comparable Massachusetts districts have paid for similar MSBA Feasibility Studies.
Medford
$3.0M
Feasibility Study Cost
Shrewsbury
$3.0M
Feasibility Study Cost
Brockton
$2.5M
Feasibility Study Cost
Keefe Tech
$2.0M
Feasibility Study Cost
Lexington
$1.825M
Feasibility Study Cost
Norwell
$1.8M
Feasibility Study Cost
Holliston Request
$2,500,000
Aligned with comparable Massachusetts district requirements for Core projects
Risk
What Happens If We Don't Do This?
We Lose Our Place in Line
The MSBA invitation expires. Holliston would need to reapply — potentially waiting years before another opportunity arises.
Costs Only Rise
Construction and renovation costs increase every year. Delaying now means a significantly larger bill for taxpayers later.
We Forfeit State Reimbursement
Without completing the MSBA process, Holliston would have to fund any future school project 100% on its own — no state partnership.
The Feasibility Study Is Not a Construction Vote
What You ARE Voting For
- Funding a thorough, expert-led investigation
- Keeping Holliston's seat at the MSBA table
- Giving the community real data to make a future decision
- Protecting access to significant state reimbursement
What You Are NOT Voting For
- Approving or committing to any construction
- Authorizing a specific renovation plan
- Spending money on building anything
- A final answer — only a path to one
Summary
The Numbers Make the Case
$2.5M
Feasibility Study cost requested at May Town Meeting
~50%
State reimbursement — MSBA covers up to ~50% of eligible project costs if approved
18 mo.
Typical duration of a full MSBA Feasibility Study
After the feasibility study, the project moves to design, a town vote, and construction phases — giving residents multiple future decision points.