School Committee Leans Toward Modulars as MSBA Feasibility Cost Hits $2 Million

LITTLETON — March 23, 2026 — School Committee edges away from MSBA building project at Hood School after feasibility study cost doubles. The committee spent the bulk of its March 23 regular meeting weighing a roughly $2 million MSBA feasibility study against a $4.5 million to $5 million modular classroom replacement at the Hood and Little schools, with several members — including Superintendent Dr. Daly and committee member Jeff Connelly — expressing serious reservations about committing to the upfront study cost. "Paying 2 million to get that other number is a lot," Connelly said, noting the district also faces a structural budget deficit and competing capital projects including a new fire station and intergenerational center. The committee directed administration to gather updated modular quotes that include bathrooms and other upgrades not covered in prior studies, with a community update planned for the June town meeting. In routine business, the committee approved 4-0 an overnight New York City trip for the Notorious a cappella group to compete at the ICHSA international finals, accepted more than $16,000 in donations across multiple votes, and unanimously authorized the annual Drug-Free Communities core measurement survey for grades 6 through 12.