South Shore Tech is working with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) on our new building project. The MSBA is a quasi-independent government agency that funds capital improvement projects in Massachusetts public schools, working with local communities to create affordable, sustainable, and energy-efficient schools across the Commonwealth. The agency has a dedicated revenue stream of one cent from the Commonwealth’s 6.25 percent sales tax. Since 2004, the MSBA has provided more than $15.6 billion in reimbursement payments to school districts for school construction projects.

The SST SBC is charged with coordinating and facilitating the school’s design and construction. There are 15 voting members of the SST SBC, who are school staff, elected officials and community members with experience in the building/construction and education industries. Please visit the project team page to review a list of SBC members.

This project is expected to take anywhere from five to seven years, given the MSBA’s rigorous and multi-step process. The process began in April 2021 when the MSBA invited South Shore Tech into the Eligibility Period, following the submittal of a Statement of Interest (SOI). At the earliest, we anticipate that the school’s construction or renovation may begin in 2025, with project completion in 2027/2028. We’ll determine the final project schedule in a later design phase.

The estimated total cost of the South Shore Tech project is between $250 million and $300 million, but we won’t know the actual total project cost until the Feasibility Study is completed. The MSBA will reimburse the school for eligible project costs during construction. The reimbursement rates are dependent upon various socioeconomic factors, as well as limitations related to square footage, with a minimum base rate of 31 percent up to a maximum of 80 percent. Several factors can increase the MSBA’s reimbursement rate, including a community income factor, community property factor and community poverty factor. Historically, the MSBA’s reimbursement rate covers roughly 60 percent of the total project cost. The remaining costs will be funded through a municipal bond paid throughout a 30-year period.

The SST SBC is committed to an inclusive, transparent process. As the project progresses, there will be considerable opportunities for public input and community engagement, including stakeholder surveys and public meetings. The project website has resources to stay informed, such as relevant news articles, meeting agendas, minutes and presentations from the SBC meetings. We will update the project website regularly as new information is available. SBC meetings are also posted and open to the public. Please direct any further questions to the project email: (info@southshoretechproject.com).

January 25, 2025