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

WHATELY -- March 23, 2026, Conway Selectboard 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.