Old Colony looks for a revote on building project
Aaron Polansky presents the plans going forward for Old Colony. Photos by Mari Huglin
Before the presentation there was a short tour of the Old Colony facilities that need updating. This is the school's water supply. 
Old Colony's generator.
Member towns were invited to participate at the meeting.
Aaron Polansky presents the plans going forward for Old Colony. Photos by Mari Huglin
Before the presentation there was a short tour of the Old Colony facilities that need updating. This is the school's water supply.
Old Colony's generator.
Member towns were invited to participate at the meeting.
ROCHESTER — Leaders of Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School are calling for a revote after a November bid to rebuild the aging high school was denied by voters.
The school discussed next steps at a Tuesday, Jan. 27 public meeting with member towns Rochester, Mattapoisett, Lakeville, Acushnet and Carver.
Old Colony Superintendent Aaron Polansky told member towns the most fiscally responsible next step for Old Colony is having a revote, which would bring the exact same project proposal back for a second vote.
Polansky said this is the best decision because it preserves around $140 million in state grants, making it less expensive to rebuild the school than to repair it.
“Putting a new engine in an old car didn’t feel like the best decision,” Polansky said.
By repairing instead of replacing the structure, the project would receive no funding from the Massachusetts School Building Authority and cost more over time.
If Old Colony does not continue with a rebuilding project, taxpayers will be fully responsible for any improvements to the current building.
A final decision on a revote will be made at Old Colony’s Wednesday, Jan. 28 School Committee meeting.
“There is no zero cost option,” Polansky said. “The [high school] requires major investment regardless.”
Polansky said with a revote comes a predictable debt repayment plan, less disruption to students’ education and clearer long term planning.
Peter Benoit of the Acushnet Finance Committee was concerned about educating voters and ensuring there is a higher voter turnout than in November.
Polansky agreed it will be important to educate town officials first so they can explain to taxpayers what they are voting for and why.
Rochester resident Kristin Nash said she is most concerned for what is best for the students.
“We need to prepare more students not necessarily to enter liberal arts or four year colleges, but we need to prepare them to enter pathways that involve careers,” Nash said.
She agreed that the most fiscally responsible decision is for a revote and construction of a new building.
