Old Colony to ask voters to again consider construction of new building

ROCHESTER — The Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School School Committee unanimously approved a revote for the same building plan that failed in November. 

At a Wednesday, Jan. 28 meeting the committee decided to submit their decision for a revote to the Massachusetts School Building Association on Thursday, Jan. 29. 

The committee will reschedule the vote after the association’s response. The vote will be brought back to Old Colony’s five member towns of Mattapoisett, Rochester, Acushnet, Carver and Lakeville.

Before voting, the committee briefly discussed other options.

One update-only option was to make significant repairs once every three years. This would cost about $5 million for the first year, and would begin with priority repairs.

Another option was a $134 million project to bring the existing building up to code all at once.The school would not be fully updated until 2070. 

School officials warned that unexpected, and more expensive, repairs are always possible. 

“It’s important for people to realize because a ‘no’ vote is not a ‘zero cost’ option,” Polansky said. “A ‘no’ vote is actually a greater cost with a lesser return.”

Another option was to submit a new building project plan, restarting the 6 to 10 year process. 

The committee decided a revote would be the most fiscally responsible decision since it will cost $148 million for a new building  and $134 million to repair the current one. 

Shirley Bourque, a committee member representing Rochester, said she is concerned constant repairs will disrupt learning. 

“We have to think about how to move forward with education to our children,” Bourque said.