BMR School Building Project Update: MSBA Submission Refined for December
The BMR School Building Project Update continues to evolve as the district works closely with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to ensure the future of education in Blackstone and Millville is both financially responsible and educationally sound.
In late September, the district withdrew its Preferred Schematic Report (PSR) submission—not to restart, but to refine. According to the project team, this pause allows for additional alignment between the building design and the district’s educational program, based on MSBA feedback.
The updated PSR submission deadline is now set for December 18, 2025.
Why the PSR Was Withdrawn
MSBA reviewers found that portions of the proposed school design didn’t fully match the district’s instructional goals. In response, the project team—Colliers, DRA, MSBA, and district administrators—agreed to refine the submission, ensuring that every part of the plan supports the educational mission.
Officials emphasize that this move is a refinement, not a restart, and it won’t increase feasibility study costs. In fact, the revised design may help reduce the overall budget through space optimization and by removing redundant areas.
The district also plans to keep the community informed throughout this process—an important part of maintaining transparency and trust.
What Residents Should Know
The updated BMR School Building Project Update outlines several key takeaways:
- The project remains fully partnered with the MSBA; this change doesn’t affect eligibility or funding.
- Refinements aim to make every learning space fit for purpose and aligned with the district’s long-term vision.
- Budget adjustments are expected to reflect more accurate enrollment projections and operational priorities.
- The pause demonstrates due diligence and fiscal responsibility, making sure that final designs are both functional and sustainable.
For residents who want more background on how we reached this point, previous Small Town Post coverage provides valuable context:
- BMR School Building Vote: Cost Estimates Coming August 20
- School Building Project Moves Forward with Design Vote
- Public Hearing Recap and Design Highlights
Timeline: From Refinement to Town Vote
Here’s the updated project timeline according to the latest BMR School Building Committee:
Current Phase: Module 3 – Feasibility Study
- Feb–March 2025: Visioning Group Workshops
- April 28, 2025: Preliminary Design Program (PDP) Submitted
- June 12, 2025: Public Hearing on Grade Configuration
8/28/25 Preferred Schematic Report (PDR) submitted WITHDRAWN for revision- December 18, 2025: Preferred Schematic Report (PSR) Resubmission
- February 2026: MSBA Decision Expected
Next Phases:
- February–August 2026: Schematic Design Submission
- May–October 2026: Town Meeting Debt Exclusion Vote
- June 2027: Design Development Completion
- Fall 2027: Groundbreaking
- May 2029: Project Completion
- September 2029: First Student Occupancy
Note: Dates are estimates and may adjust as planning and approvals continue.
Community Engagement: Your Voice Matters
At the most recent School Building Committee meeting last October 29, updates included the introduction of Project Director Vivian Varbedian, a strategic appointment aimed at improving communication and helping the community understand the project’s scope and value before any town vote.
The committee also reviewed preliminary redesigns, noting adjustments to classroom layouts and building structure that reduce costs and better fit MSBA guidelines. A new public outreach subcommittee will focus on ensuring residents receive neutral, fact-based information so everyone can make an informed decision when the time comes.
Upcoming Presentation: Get the Facts Firsthand
Residents are strongly encouraged to attend the Community Presentation on the School Building Project with the MSBA on Monday, November 10, at 6 PM in the BMR High School Cafeteria.
Questions during the presentation can be emailed to jdufault@bmrsd.net
Whether you support or have concerns about the project, this is the perfect time to see the plans up close, ask questions directly, and form your own opinion.
Many residents share their opinions online, but this presentation offers a real opportunity to see the facts firsthand and ask questions directly.
Looking Ahead
The BMR School Building Project Update highlights the community’s ongoing effort to balance quality education, fiscal responsibility, and long-term planning. With design refinements underway and continued transparency from the School Building Committee, residents will soon have the information needed to make an informed choice when it matters most.
Blackstone Millville School Building Project Key Documents & Resources
- BMRSd School Building Project Hub
- 2020 Facilities Assessment
- DRA Application
- School Building Committee Minutes – May 28, 2025 with Presentation
- An Update from the Blackstone Millville Regional School District Capital Planning Committee
- MSBA Project Pipeline
- School Building Committee Members
- School Committee Members
- SBC Meeting Materials from July 23 which includes a Presentation on Preferred Schematic Design Options
- SBC Meeting Materials from August 20 which includes Presentation of 7.4 Design Option and Cost Estimates
At Small Town Post, our mission is to help residents stay informed, engaged, and connected to what’s happening in Blackstone and Millville. We cover stories that matter—like this BMR School Building Project Update—because we believe informed communities make stronger decisions for the future.
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