Lowell School Building Committee approves $2.2 million transfer to sustain high school renovation

LOWELL — October 30, 2025 — Lowell's School Building Committee voted 16-1 to approve a $2.2 million internal budget transfer to keep the Lowell High School renovation funded through the winter. Project Manager Jim Dow told the committee the construction contingency has fallen to roughly $2.2 million while $7.8 million in potential change orders remain, and that without the transfer the fund could run dry before a pending $39.8 million city loan order clears a mandatory 20-day referendum period, likely in January. The approved Budget Revision Request No. 3 moves $2 million temporarily from the furniture, fixtures, and equipment accounts — funds not needed until 2027 — and $200,000 from owner's contingency into the testing budget. City Assistant Manager Connor Baldwin said the MSBA confirmed in writing that the transfer would not render any costs non-reimbursable. Committee member Fred Bahu cast the lone dissenting vote; Mayor Nick Samaris, who voted yes, pressed the team on accountability, noting "I've seen that happen in the past" when diverted funds were not replenished.