What is the proposed solution?
With state aid, the cost to renovate our elementary schools as a single project is less than half the cost of taking on each project one at a time, and reduces the rising cost of projects due to inflation. The State of New Hampshire offers a school building aid program that favors districts like ours that meet specific criteria, such as:
- Age and condition of buildings
- Historical value (Troy School)
- Socio-economic profile (i.e. free/reduced lunch)
- Value/size of project
In order to receive this funding, the district must complete the following tasks:
- Pass a warrant article to pay for engineering blueprints (2021)
- Design the renovations / Create the blueprints (2021)
- Apply for State Building Aid (2022)
In recent years the district has raised ~$1.1m each year for building projects. While the current approach of $1.1m would take close to 40 years to accomplish, the district has an option to complete the work in 1-2 years, and take out a bond (similar to a mortgage) For the same cost per year, and pay it off in 20 years. This chart shows how the estimated bond payments reduce over time.
What can you do to help?
First, prepare to vote: The project cannot move forward without voter commitment to develop blueprints (2021), pursue State Aid (2022), and secure a bond (2023). If the voters approve, then construction would begin in the spring of 2023, and our first renovated school would open in the fall of 2024.
All dollars displayed are estimates only, and will be refined during the true blueprinting process if the first vote passes
Second, be informed: Attend school board meetings, and know where to find these materials:
- School District Calendar:
- District Facilities Study: https://www.mrsd.org/domain/615
- Video Overview of the project: Youtube, search for “MRSD” or scan this QR code from your phone:
Finally, tell someone: Show others where to find these materials
Keeping our schools functioning safely and effectively is our collective responsibility. It requires regular investment, but over the past 50 years we have completed very few large scale projects to keep our buildings up, and it shows in our project backlog. The current board feels this project will resolve numerous safety and compliance issues, reduce energy costs, improve the learning environment, all while reducing the long-term impact on annual tax bills. This is an amazing opportunity to receive much needed help from the available state aid!