Often these forms are not submitted, or they are completed so as not to jeopardize the contractors' rating regardless of actual performance. During the course of this review we were told by several groups that it is common practice for contractors to hold up the completion of a school building in exchange for a favorable review. Renovation Misconceptions Historic Massachusetts has found that communities need more education on their ability to renovate schools through the SBA program. The following common local beliefs about renovation projects were gathered by Historic Massachusetts, based on information provided by DOE and case studies. The state will not reimburse communities for renovation projects.
Renovation is always more expensive than new construction.
Old school buildings cannot provide the best space for children. All classrooms must be 1,000 square feet in size. Not enough land is available to satisfy site requirement. None of these common beliefs are supported by statutory prohibitions or with credible evidence. Each grant recipient shall submit to the Division of Capital Asset Management within 90 days after the completion of the general contract a contractor evaluation form for the project general contractor.