South Shore Tech Proposes $276 Million Building Project

School seeks voter approval for new facility to address space constraints, modernize programs

SCITUATE, MA - November 13 - South Shore Technical High School is seeking approval for a $276 million building project to construct a new school building. The project aims to address space constraints and modernize vocational programs, with 40% of costs potentially reimbursed by the state.

Superintendent Thomas Hickey presented the proposal at a forum in Scituate, outlining plans for a new three-story building to be constructed on the school's existing property in Hanover.

"We're at the highest enrollment in school history, about 687 students," Hickey said. "Every classroom in the building has two teachers in it. Everybody shares everything."

The proposed 900-student capacity building would include expanded shops, classrooms, and science labs. It would also add two new programs: plumbing and veterinary science.

Hickey emphasized the project's focus on cost efficiency and maximizing state reimbursement. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has approved a maximum grant of $111.7 million for the project.

"We designed something that was tight. We tried to stay within as many of the reimbursement caches we could," Hickey said.

The school plans to finance approximately $164 million after accounting for state reimbursement and other funding sources. Hickey estimates the project could cost Scituate taxpayers between $100 to $110 per year for the average assessed home valued at $933,000, starting around fiscal year 2030.

A district-wide vote is scheduled for Jan. 25, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voters in all nine member towns will decide whether to approve the project. A simple majority of the total votes cast will determine the outcome.

If approved, construction could begin in 2026, with the new school opening in fall 2028. The existing building would then be demolished to replace the athletic fields.

Hickey highlighted several features of the proposed design, including:

- A multipurpose auditorium with retractable seating

- Improved security measures

- A dining commons area

- Expanded shop spaces for existing vocational programs

The superintendent noted that the school's current facility, built in 1962, is the second-oldest regional vocational school in Massachusetts.

"You can't take all the 1962 out of a 1962 building" Hickey said, explaining why renovation was not a viable option.

The project comes as South Shore Tech experiences increased interest from students across its member communities. The school currently has a waiting list of about 100 students for its freshman class.

"We see the value of having a ninth partner to help share the costs of what we're talking about," Hickey said, referring to the recent addition of Marshfield as a member town.

If the project is not approved, Hickey warned that the school would likely need to pursue expensive code upgrades without state reimbursement.

"We anticipate being asked that question because taxpayers want to know where their monies go," he said. "And they do want value for their money."

School officials are planning additional outreach efforts to inform voters about the project before the January vote. This includes public forums, online information sessions, and attendance at local community group meetings.

"We want to put ourselves in a position where I feel comfortable saying we did everything we could to raise awareness," Hickey said.

For more information about the proposed building project, residents can visit the school's project website at southshoretechproject.com.