Transparency is essential as the BMR school project moves forward. In this BMR School Building Update, we share the design options shared at the July 23 School Building Committee (SBC) meeting, which were not available at the time we wrote our last article. Residents are encouraged to review the plans, ask questions, and stay engaged ahead of the August 20 meeting.
The upcoming session will take place on August 20 at the Frederick W. Hartnett Middle School Media Center at 5PM. No Zoom or online links are available at the time of publishing.
July 23 Meeting Materials and Design Options
The July 23 SBC meeting included updates on project management, design consultation, and financial planning. While we have not attended the meeting in person, the design options presented are available, and we’ve grabbed a copy of the presentation from the project architects taken from the SBC Meeting Materials from July 23:
The designs explore multiple pathways for the district, including renovations, code upgrades, additions, and new construction.
Cost Realities and Project Progress
The August 20 meeting will also include cost estimates for the school building project—a critical step in planning. So far, expenditures are approaching $1 million, covering project management, design consultation, feasibility studies, and related planning.
This work is part of the Feasibility Study phase, with a budget of $1 million that was approved by voters at the 2024 Annual Town Meetings. These costs do not yet include actual construction or repairs to the schools but reflect the in-depth studies and planning required before any building can begin.
Understanding this stage helps the community see the scale of preparation needed to modernize BMR schools safely and effectively.
Community Engagement: Your Voice Matters
Many residents have opinions online about repairing existing schools versus building new. The SBC meetings are the place to share your perspective directly. Residents are encouraged to:
- Attend the August 20 5PM meeting at Frederick W. Hartnett Middle School Media Center
- Review the design options in the gallery
- Reach out to the School Building Committee with questions or concerns
Participating ensures your voice is heard and contributes to decisions that will impact BMR schools for decades.
Key Documents & Resources
- BMRSd School Building Project Hub
- 2020 Facilities Assessment
- DRA Application
- School Building Committee Minutes – May 28, 2025 with Presentation
- An Update from the Blackstone Millville Regional School District Capital Planning Committee
- MSBA Project Pipeline
- School Building Committee Members
- School Committee Members
- SBC Meeting Materials from July 23 which includes a Presentation on Preferred Schematic Design Options
What’s Next?
- August 20, 2025: Action item – vote to submit the Preferred Schematic Report (PSR)
- August 28, 2025: Deadline to submit PSR to MSBA
- October 2025: BMRSD will appear before the MSBA Board for Preferred Schematic Design authorization
At Small Town Post, our mission is to keep Blackstone and Millville residents informed, connected, and inspired. From local schools to community events, we cover the stories that matter most to our towns.
We encourage you to send us stories, tips, or updates anytime. Follow us on Facebook for regular updates on BMR school projects and other local news—and stay engaged in building a stronger, informed community.
Updated at 10:00 AM to clarify $1 million budget for Feasibility Study was approved by voters at the 2024 annual town meeting
