School Officials to Detail Plans for New Pentucket Regional Building Project Thursday

Pentucket Regional High School.

A public meeting for neighbors in the Pentucket Regional School District is planned for Jan. 24. (File photograph)

Residents of Groveland, Merrimac and West Newbury with students in the Pentucket Regional school district are invited to a Thursday night information session where school officials will unveil plans for a proposed building to house students in grades seven through 12.

Starting at 6 p.m. at 104 Church St., Merrimac, on Jan. 24, Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and others are expected to address infrastructure upgrades and a plan to replace corroding pipes and remove hazardous materials.

“With representatives from all three towns present at this meeting, this is a great opportunity for residents to come find out more about the project and ask questions,” Bartholomew said. “Our goal is to ensure that every voter is fully informed on the scope of this work and what it means for our students, communities and taxpayers.”

The district is planning to release a cost estimate for the upgrade next month. Currently carrying a $155.2 million price tag, the overhaul—subsidized in part by the Massachusetts School Building Authority—would have a taxpayer responsibility of $95.2 million. Residents have the opportunity to vote on the project at their spring town meetings, and if the measure passes, a ballot question will appear in May.