Click on the link at the bottom of the page for a comprehensive plan and projected cost of the proposed construction of a new Franklin County Technical School, compared with undergoing a renovation/addition or code upgrades/repairs to the current building.
Letter from Superintendent Martin:
Why Does Franklin County Technical School Need a New Building?
Franklin County Technical School (FCTS), built in 1975, has served the community for nearly 50 years. However, the building has reached the end of its useful life, and critical systems are failing. Independent reviews by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) have confirmed that the facility is no longer adequate to support modern educational needs, which is why FCTS was accepted into the MSBA building project system. If a new building is not approved, the district will be forced to invest in a series of extraordinarily expensive infrastructure projects—each addressing outdated and deteriorating systems, but none solving the underlying problem of an aging facility.
1. Roof System
The school’s 160,000 sq. ft. roof has already undergone two major projects in the last 30 years, including a Cyclone roof coating 9 years ago. Since this option has already been used twice, the only viable next step is a complete tear-off and rebuild. This would involve replacing insulation, membranes, flashings, drains, and reinstalling all rooftop mechanical equipment. Estimated cost (2025): $15–20 million. This single project would be among the largest capital expenditures the district has ever faced.
2. Electrical System
FCTS still relies on outdated Federal Pacific breakers and switchgear, which are no longer manufactured and have already begun failing. Each replacement has cost between $50,000–$100,000, with $200,000 already spent on just two failures. More than a dozen vulnerable units remain. Without a full replacement, a catastrophic failure could force the school to close for weeks or months. Estimated cost (2025): $20–30 million for full electrical system replacement, including new switchgear, panels, distribution, and backup generators.
3. Plumbing, Water, and Sewage
All underground plumbing, water, and sewage systems are original to 1975. Breaks and leaks have already caused sewage hazards and odors under the building, disrupting the learning environment and creating health risks. These issues will worsen over time, increasing both cost and disruption. Estimated cost (2025): $8–12 million to replace underground systems.
4. Fire Sprinkler System
To comply with modern fire safety codes, FCTS would require a new wet-pipe sprinkler system across all 160,000 sq. ft. of the facility. This would include risers, piping, seismic bracing, new sprinkler heads, and a fire pump with upgraded water service. Full integration with the fire alarm and electrical systems would also be required. Because the building would remain occupied during construction, phased work and extensive safety precautions would add to the complexity and cost. Estimated cost (2025): $10–15 million.
Conclusion
If the community does not move forward with a new building, Franklin County Technical School will face unavoidable capital projects totaling $50–75 million just to keep the existing 1975 facility operational. These projects would cause prolonged disruption to students and staff while consuming resources that could otherwise be invested in a modern school designed for today’s educational and workforce training needs.