Plans for schools advance

Selectmen in Medway are prepared to approve a contract with an architectural firm, which can then proceed with schematic designs and feasibility studies aimed at making repairs to the town’s middle school.

Franklin officials teamed up last week with members of the Massachusetts School Building Authority to interview and select an architectural firm to handle a high school renovation project; the firm’s next step will be to reach a contract with the town administrator.

Both communities are counting on the state to contribute a portion of the construction costs; the School Building Authority has already given preliminary approval for the projects, and will base the percentage of its reimbursements on a formula that examines a community’s income, property values, and proportion of low-income students compared with statewide averages, among other criteria.

Officials intend to finance the remaining cost of both projects by asking voters to approve overrides of Proposition 2 1/2’s limits on tax increases; as debt-exclusion proposals, they would raise property taxes for a temporary term, long enough to pay off a construction bond.

In this economy, officials are aware that getting residents to approve higher taxes, even for needed capital projects, is far from a sure thing.

“I’m hopeful we can get’’ the override approved, said Medway School Committee chairwoman Debora Trindade. “We’re trying to make an investment in the building so it will last for a while.’’

In 2007, the School Building Authority selected Medway Middle School as a leading candidate for funding consideration. The building, parts of which are 50 years old, is listed in the authority’s repair category for windows, electrical, plumbing, lighting, floors, and doors.

Initial estimates pegged the proposed work between $8 million and $12 million, although town officials say inflation may increase the final figure. The authority recently told the town that its reimbursement rate would be just over 50 percent, Trindade said.

The town is ready to sign a contract with Kaestle Boos Associates, an architectural firm in Foxborough, pending the filing of its insurance information.

“We’re centimeters away from a resolution,’’ said Robert Tucker, chairman of the town’s School Building Committee. “It’s a really fast-moving project at this point.’’

Trindade hopes to go before the authority again in late September, with a feasibility study and project scope completed.

Officials intend to go before Town Meeting in November, when Trindade expects to present a menu of options for repair work.

“Depending on how the economy looks, there might not be an appetite on the part of the town to go with the whole project,’’ she said.

Tucker agreed that gaining voter approval could be tough when operating budgets have been stretched so thin.

However, he said, “I’m confident we’re going to hash these issues out and be able to come forward with a really solid recommendation to the town.

“Most people usually, if they see it’s a real need, they’re going to be in favor of it,’’ Tucker said.

In Franklin, based on the state authority’s recommendations, school officials are eyeing a renovation that would update the nearly 40-year-old high school’s science labs, fix its heating and cooling systems, improve safety around the locker rooms, and increase accessibility for those with physical handicaps, said Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski.

Town officials are hesitant to predict the final price tag this early in the process. An architectural study commissioned by the town found that a renovation could cost up to $100 million, which is more than officials have said they want to spend.

On July 13, the selection panel, which includes town officials and representatives from the state authority, identified four firms under consideration for architecture work in Franklin. Panel members were especially interested in the architects’ proposed phasing of work, and their plans for ensuring that instruction can continue safely during the renovations, Sabolinski said.

On Tuesday, the four firms presented their plans to the panel, which selected CGKV Architects Inc. of Somerville as its leading candidate. The firm is expected to start negotiating a contract with Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting shortly.

“They set forth a unique vision of how they plan to work with the high school staff and community on building support for the educational program,’’ said Sabolinski, who was joined on the panel by School Committee member Paula Mullen, former Town Council chairman Chris Feeley, and authority personnel.

Last fall, the Town Council authorized a $1 million bond to bring the project to the schematic design phase. Franklin has already hired a project manager, Daedalus Projects Inc. of Boston, which has managed several projects for the town, including schools, the senior center, and the fire station. Once the architect is on board, the firms will work together to provide a solid renovation plan and cost estimate, she said.

A debt-exclusion override vote would still be at least a year away, Sabolinski said. “Then, the community will get to decide if it supports the project or not.’’