Conway Select Board eyes October vote on $236 million Franklin Tech building project

WHATELY — March 23, 2026 — Conway Select Board sets October 6 vote on $236 million Franklin County Technical School building. Superintendent Martin and new business manager Liz Bouchard told the board and Finance Committee Monday that the proposed new construction — down from an initial $246 million estimate — would draw roughly $112 million in Massachusetts School Building Authority reimbursement, leaving a district share of about $120 million. Conway's 3.1 percent assessment translates to an estimated $7 million in total principal and interest over just over 30 years, with annual costs ramping from $7,000 in 2028 to $228,000 by 2031 at an assumed 4 percent interest rate. Without the project, Martin said, the district faces $75 million to $103 million in unsubsidized repairs to keep the 1975 building operational. The MSBA votes on the schematic design April 26; if approved, letters go to member towns by end of that week.