In March 2025, after persistent advocacy by the Monument Mountain Regional High School Building Committee and Superintendent Dr. Peter Dillion, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) adjusted its reimbursement rate from 45.52 percent to 49.83 percent. This increase in the state’s share raises the funding from $53 million to $59 million, lowering the local contribution by $6 million, bringing the total local share down to $93 million.

The project plans to replace the current 1968 building with a modern, three-story facility, with a total projected cost of $154.5 million. The MSBA will contribute about $59 million, and MassSave will provide $1.6 million in incentives.

The exact project costs will be finalized after the Schematic Design phase, expected to conclude in August 2025. Only after this phase will the confirmed tax impact on local communities be clear. For the project to proceed with funding for design and construction, a district-wide vote in favor on November 4, 2025, is required.

If the vote is successful, construction is slated to begin in 2027, with the new high school expected to open in the fall of 2029. The new building will be constructed on the current site but outside the existing building's footprint, allowing the school to remain fully operational during construction.

In addition, Dr. Dillon shared plans for adding a fourth Chapter 74 program in Electricity, alongside the existing Automotive, Early Childhood, and Horticulture programs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11 percent growth in the electrical trade between 2023 and 2033, signaling strong demand for electricians. This new program will only be possible with the construction of the new high school.

The Monument Mountain Regional High School Building Committee will host a community information session on June 16, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the High School Library, with a virtual option for remote attendees. At the session, updated costs will be presented, an overview of the project will be given, and community members will have the chance to ask questions and provide feedback.

For more details and to contact the building committee, please visit the project website.

Originally reported by The Berkshire edge.