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.