Overview
A city, town, regional school district, or independent agricultural and technical school (“District”) that has been invited into the MSBA’s Eligibility Period is required to form a School Building Committee (“SBC”) to oversee and facilitate the proposed project. The SBC should be formed in accordance with the District’s local charter and/or by-laws as well as with the MSBA’s regulations, found in 963 CMR 2.06(3).
The MSBA’s template SBC form is to be used in submitting District membership. A sample SBC form can be found here. The SBC form is due within 60 days of a District’s Eligibility Period commencement date and must be on District letterhead with an authorized signature for the District. The MSBA will accept an electronic copy of the signed SBC form. Upon receipt, the MSBA will review the makeup of the SBC submitted by the District and accept it once it meets the MSBA’s requirements. When designated membership changes occur, the District must notify the MSBA within 20 calendar days by providing an updated SBC form for review and acceptance, as outlined above.
General SBC FAQs
Yes. Individuals can fill more than one designation on the SBC. 963 CMR 2.06(2)(b) provides recommendations for who should be included in the SBC membership.
The SBC shall be formed as set forth in 963 CMR 2.06(2) and in accordance with the provisions of the Eligible Applicant’s local charter and/or by-laws. The MSBA suggests that the Eligible Applicant consults with its local counsel to determine who may appoint SBC members.
In the case where a District has a PBC, it must still submit a SBC form to the MSBA for review and acceptance. The District must also submit the makeup of the PBC and the provisions from their local charter. The MSBA recommends that the District make a reasonable effort to include the designations listed in 963 CMR 2.06 (2). Depending upon the makeup of the PBC, all designations on the SBC form may not be completed. For example, the District must include a member of the School Committee on the SBC, as required by M.G.L. c. 71, § 68.
The MSBA suggests that the District consults its local by-laws/charter and/or its local counsel to determine who can be a voting member on the SBC. For example, in some municipalities you must be resident to be a voting member.
There is no minimum number of voting members required by the MSBA; this is left to the discretion of the District. The MSBA suggests that the District consults its local by-laws/charter and/or its local counsel to determine who can be a voting member on the SBC.
The member filling this designation on the SBC form is required to be designated as a Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official (MCPPO) through the OIG Academy as administered by the Inspector General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
More information on the MCPPO Program for School Building Projects can be found here: MSBA Partnerships
Please also note that, as specified on the SBC form, the MCPPO Certification or MCPPO recertification letter for this individual must be update to date, submitted with the original SBC form and kept current throughout the life of the project.
Yes. They can remain on the SBC and be placed in the “Other” category so long as the District continues to maintain the suggested membership designations. For instance, if a School Committee member declines to run for re-election they may remain a member of the SBC, but a current School Committee member should also become a member of the SBC.
Yes. The District must list the past performance of the SBC, the building committee (temporary or permanent), or any other committee responsible for oversight, management, or administration of the construction of public buildings and its individual members, as indicated on the MSBA’s SBC form.
No. However, the MSBA encourages broad representation from the community. There is an opportunity for Districts to engage students in the design and building process if they choose to do so. Student participation is encouraged, but at the option of the District.
For an elementary or middle school project, Districts may consider coupling an elementary school or middle school student with a high school student or arranging involvement through a teacher-led approach. For high school projects, a District may elect to have more than one student join the SBC.
SBC FORM FAQs for Specific Designations
This designation on the SBC form refers to the person with the title of Town Administrator, Town Manager, or City Manager. However, not every community will have someone who fills this role. Therefore, this designation may be left blank if it does not apply.
Many local officials can fill this role. For example:
- In a Town, it may be a member of the Board of Selectmen, a member of the School Committee, or a member of the Permanent Building Committee.
- In a City, it may be the Mayor, the Manager, a member of City Council, or the City’s Capital Planning department.
- In a Regional School District, it may be a member of the regional School Committee or the District’s Superintendent.
Please note: This designation is likely to be filled by an individual who is also serving in some other capacity on the SBC, such as the Local CEO. Please consult with local counsel as necessary to make this determination.
This role can be filled by many different individuals such as the Superintendent, the School Principal, a School Committee member, or a teacher.
This role can be filled by a City/Town Treasurer, City Comptroller, or a member of the Finance Committee. It may also be filled by the Mayor, a member of the Board of Selectmen, or a Regional School Committee member.
This role can be filled by a School Department or Municipal official who oversees building maintenance, such as a Building Commissioner or Facilities Director.
