ORANGE — The Board of Selectmen agreed Wednesday to School Superintendent Tari Thomas’ request to pursue a school construction grant, setting the ball rolling again toward a new Dexter Park School.
Thomas said she has been charged by the Orange Elementary School Committee to submit a new statement of interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The MSBA funds school renovations, expansions and new construction through reimbursement grants.
Thomas said the priorities are to replace or renovate a structurally unsound building, eliminate severe overcrowding and modernize facilities to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state regulations.
The vote by the Board of Selectmen constitutes authority to move ahead, and does not make any commitment to spending money. Selectman Walter Herk said he was on the fence the last time the question of a new elementary came to a vote, but is now for it with a better understanding of the state grant process.
Thomas said the school will find out in December or January if they have been accepted.