MVSD Releases Updated Cost Comparison Showing Rebuild Is More Than $20 Million Cheaper Than Renovation
Updated PC Construction analysis confirms rebuild offers the lowest long-term cost and strongest protections for local taxpayers
The Mountain Views School District (MVSD) released updated cost comparisons prepared by PC Construction showing that, when state construction aid and pledged private donations are included, rebuilding Woodstock Union High School and Middle School is more than $20 million less expensive to local taxpayers than a comprehensive renovation of the existing facility. The key difference is that renovation leaves local taxpayers responsible for nearly the full cost of the project, while a rebuild allows a significant portion of costs to be shared with the state and private donors.
The updated analysis builds on the post-bond study completed after the March 2024 vote. New renovation estimates, using current construction pricing, allow for a direct comparison with the revised rebuild bond proposal voters will consider on March 3, 2026. District leaders acknowledged that many community members understandably want to repair the building they know, and the updated analysis was intended to examine costs and long-term impacts.
“This analysis confirms that rebuilding is the more affordable path due to the strong financial safeguards built into Article 4,” said Seth Webb, MVSD Board Member and Chair of the Rebuild Working Group. “The project only moves forward if at least 25% of the cost is secured from state, federal, or private sources.”
In short, renovation appears less expensive upfront but costs local taxpayers more over time because it does not qualify for state aid and carries greater construction risk.
“After the 2024 vote, we evaluated multiple options for the school,” said Kurt Naser, Director of Preconstruction at PC Construction. “While renovation can appear less expensive initially, it has a higher cost per square foot and takes longer to complete. From a construction standpoint, it is more complex and does not fully meet modern educational programming needs.”
Renovation: Higher Cost, Longer Disruption, No State Aid
The 2024 renovation study examined a full, phased renovation of the existing building. That approach would require replacing nearly all major systems while keeping the school operational for four to five years. While targeted repairs may seem more practical, the analysis found that piecemeal investment would cost taxpayers more, take longer, and be more disruptive for students, faculty, and staff.
Even after completion, the renovated building would be expected to last only between 20 and 40 additional years, depending on conditions uncovered during construction. Because the building’s condition exceeds the state’s recommended Facilities Condition Index threshold, renovation does not qualify for Vermont school construction aid, leaving local taxpayers responsible for the full cost.
“We’re dealing with aging boilers, failing plumbing and electrical systems, roof leaks, and infrastructure that wasn’t designed to be repaired in stages,” said Joe Rigoli, MVSD Director of Buildings and Grounds. “Renovation would mean years of disruption and millions spent without fully resolving those challenges.”
Rebuild: Lower Local Cost and Long-Term Financial Responsibility
By contrast, the rebuild proposal is designed to reduce long-term costs and financial risk to the community. While the total project cost is $111.95 million, the bond requires that at least 25% of the cost, approximately $28 million, come from state, federal, or private sources. To date, approximately $3 million in private donations have already been pledged specifically for the rebuild.
MVSD also holds Vermont Agency of Education pre-approval for a full rebuild, positioning the district near the front of the line for the State’s School Construction Aid Program, scheduled to launch in 2026. State aid is expected to cover 20–40% of eligible debt service, conservatively estimated at $25 million and potentially as much as $50 million over the life of the bond.
“This isn’t about walking away from the building we have or ignoring past investments,” said Keri Bristow, Chair of the MVSD Board. “It’s about being responsible stewards of public resources. Renovation would cost more, last far less time, and place the full burden on local taxpayers. Rebuilding is the financially responsible decision for our community.”
The rebuild would take approximately 2.5 years, allow students to remain in the existing building during construction, and result in a 75-year facility designed for durability, efficiency, and lower long-term operating costs.
District leaders emphasized that delaying action does not reduce costs. Construction prices have already risen about 13% since the 2024 vote, and each year of delay adds inflation and more emergency repairs.
“The choice before voters isn’t whether costs exist,” Webb added. “It’s whether those costs are shared with the state or paid entirely by local taxpayers, and whether we act now or pay more later.”
Next Steps
The Rebuild Working Group and district leadership will continue hosting informational meetings across the district in the weeks leading up to the March 3 vote. Additional information, including a full FAQ, cost comparisons, and ballot language, is available at mtnviews.org/woodstock-union-rebuild-bond-vote.
About Mountain Views School District (MVSD)
Located in Central Vermont’s Green Mountains, Mountain Views School District serves students from Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading, Woodstock, and neighboring school-choice communities.
Contact:
Sam Stockwell
Communications Lead, MVSU Rebuild Working Group
email.rebuildteam@mtnviews.org