I have been a believer in vocational-technical education for most of my life. I graduated from Smith Vocational High School in 1975, and the education I received there gave me not only a trade, but a foundation for a career and a lifetime of opportunities.
My experience at Smith Voc also went beyond the classroom and shop. Through Future Farmers of America, I had opportunities to develop leadership skills and ultimately served as Massachusetts State FFA President from 1975 to 1976. Those experiences helped shape me personally and professionally and reinforced how much vocational education can offer a young person.
Vocational education became the foundation for a career in the electrical and controls fields that has spanned more than four decades. That experience is one reason I have been proud to serve on the Franklin County Technical School Committee for the past 31 years.
Vocational education has changed dramatically since I was a student. What has not changed is its value. Franklin Tech students graduate with practical skills, hands-on experience and a pathway into a career. Some continue their education, some enter apprenticeships, and many go directly into the workforce.
Over the years, Franklin Tech graduates have become electricians, auto technicians, carpenters, welders, restaurant owners and professionals in many other fields. Many remain in Franklin County, working for local businesses, raising families and, in some cases, starting businesses of their own. They become part of the economic backbone of our communities.
For me, that is why this decision is about much more than a building.
I understand the concern over cost. A $236.6 million project is a very large number, and taxpayers have every right to question it and expect those of us involved to justify the expense. But the choice before us is not between spending $236.6 million and spending nothing.
The current school is now 50 years old. Major mechanical and electrical systems are aging, the roof and other infrastructure require attention, classrooms and shops are overcrowded, and the building no longer adequately meets the educational, safety and space requirements of a modern technical school.
A renovation-only option was studied through the Massachusetts School Building Authority process and is estimated at approximately $125 million. Even after that investment, overcrowding and undersized spaces would remain, educational programs would continue to be constrained, and students and staff would face years of phased construction and disruption.
The MSBA would reimburse up to $113.8 million, or nearly half the project cost, leaving an estimated local district share of $122.8 million among our 19 member communities. Local taxpayers are not being asked to fund the full $236.6 million project cost.
One point I believe taxpayers should keep in mind is this: A “no” vote does not make the cost of our aging building disappear.
According to project estimates, if the new school is not approved, Franklin Tech would lose the opportunity for approximately $113.8 million in MSBA reimbursement while still facing roughly $125 million in major repairs and infrastructure work simply to keep the existing building operating.
I understand these are not identical projects, but the comparison still makes one thing clear: doing nothing is not a cost-free option.
We also need to remember what Franklin Tech provides to this region. Local employers need skilled workers. Our communities need electricians, technicians, mechanics, builders, health professionals and other skilled people who keep our businesses and communities functioning. Vocational education gives young people an opportunity to build a successful life while also developing the workforce Franklin County needs to remain economically strong.
Our present building has served Franklin County well for 50 years, and we should be proud of everything accomplished inside those walls. But honoring our past also means preparing for the future.
On Oct. 6, voters in Franklin Tech’s 19 member communities will decide whether to move this project forward. I believe this is our opportunity to build on 50 years of success and provide the next generation of students with the facilities they need to learn, work and succeed.
For me, this is not simply a vote for a new school. It is a vote for our students, our workforce, our communities and the future of our region.
To voters in all 19 member communities, please join me on Oct. 6 in voting “yes” for Franklin Tech and help move us forward for the next 50 years and beyond.
Rich Kuklewicz is a Montague resident and a member of the Franklin County Technical School Committee, Montague Selectboard, and Montague Town Meeting.