[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6302406,"mediaKeyId","2477946-8fca72619dc705e4bbc8886e49eedf4e","parentId",2477946,"title","School committee backs $1.6 million feasibility study for Robinson as space-usage review finds limited spare capacity","audioSeconds",4335,"startMs",3195000,"endMs",7530000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2477946-8fca72619dc705e4bbc8886e49eedf4e&start=3195&end=7530","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2477946-8fca72619dc705e4bbc8886e49eedf4e/thumbnail_3195000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6302406/Massachusetts/School-committee-backs-16-million-feasibility-study-for-Robinson-as-space-usage-review-finds-limited-spare-capacity","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302406-c1ec481031ab16e95200846095064f12/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442812&Signature=OKsZlUmi3j~HevpJQCw6Wl-N0v1tdzeyE2AwJdzbVxoPjucB7X9hQmGPnEycFjWt345zeOINz4XLYaCTbQjGBiFGpDqOYtRUmDdvaxSGD1~LarBq8jya7tbY1o1fSNukgx4KCW4cvxK5mM4T5KrmlMw~y2M8e2WO7JFNd1u7jeQ8vzulfI5eSn9zPhj0xc7rmQ6gAM3q30oB2Yaa2Xh2UjDqfyAVHpcWJ46Mdbx4YWp0BEJX3GyyO0GvKanm-4qPiJaTKAB6eN72TGojJh43ztdAF8buXD9-VcYAlob3vHtbOIywUM9Wnc7RGHd4-XWHdpNVA3BQJBeRfpSkaopgPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Westford Public Schools, MA","date","2025-03-04T00:00:00Z","article","The Westford School Committee voted unanimously Monday to recommend town authorization of $1.6 million for a feasibility study and schematic report for the Robinson School, a required first step to apply for Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) funding.

The action followed a district space‑usage update delivered to the committee that found many classroom-size differences across buildings and more rooms earmarked for special education, English‑language learning and other designated purposes than in previous analyses, reducing the number of general‑purpose classrooms available for typical class sections.

The feasibility authorization would pay owners’ project manager, architect and engineering services, and site diligence (surveys, environmental and traffic analysis) for roughly 10–12 months of study. The committee was told the MSBA currently estimates Westford’s reimbursement rate at about 48.5% of eligible costs; the $1.6 million authorization is the full town warrant figure, though not all of that is expected to be spent. The committee was also told the MSBA begins reimbursing invoices once the town submits them under an approved contract.

Why it matters: the MSBA requires a feasibility study that compares at least four outcomes — do nothing, repair/bring existing facility up to code, renovate/add, or new construction — and recommends the option it deems most educationally appropriate. For Robinson, that radar includes whether to retain a pre‑K–2 organization, build a pre‑K–5 facility, or pursue a different consolidation/redistricting scheme across the district. The feasibility study will evaluate the Robinson site, a second candidate site discussed by the committee (Abbott site was cited as an example) and a third site to be identified if needed.

The committee’s space‑usage work team (the superintendent, district administrators and facilities staff) reviewed floor plans at each building, counted “Category A” classrooms (rooms large enough for a full section) and then subtracted rooms already designated for special programs (preschool, OT/PT, small-group special‑education rooms, art/library spaces used as dedicated program rooms) to calculate a usable classroom inventory. That analysis showed elementary buildings’ effective usable capacity differs markedly because of room size and how many rooms are dedicated to non‑general‑education uses. The team said that while district enrollment is down from its recent peak, the number of students identified for special education has risen (from about 12% in the 2014 report the team reviewed to about 18.7% today) and English‑language learners are a larger share than in 2014; both changes reduce flexible, general‑purpose capacity.

Committee members pressed for details about what a new building or renovation would cost, how the MSBA’s recommendation would affect what the town could select, and what sites would be considered. Members were told the feasibility work will include test‑fits and high‑level cost estimates for each option so the town and committee can weigh upfront capital needs against long‑term operating and capital savings across the district.

The committee also reviewed estimates from the 2023 facilities assessment that put near‑term capital needs for Robinson, Abbott and Day schools in the tens of millions (figures presented were in 2023 dollars) and heard that delaying major work without a plan would likely increase total costs and risk triggering more extensive code‑upgrade requirements if work is piecemeal.

After discussion, the committee voted to recommend Article 7 (the feasibility study authorization) for the March 22 annual town meeting. Committee members also agreed to continue public outreach: building tours and forums were scheduled in the weeks before town meeting.

Budget and next steps: if the warrant article is approved at town meeting, the district will issue a request for qualifications for an owners’ project manager and hire an architect/engineer to conduct the feasibility and schematic work. The report will include the MSBA’s preferred solution and the district’s options; any proposed construction project would come back to voters for authorization and would be reimbursable at the MSBA rate on eligible costs.

Ending: The feasibility authorization passed the committee on a unanimous voice vote; committee leaders said the study is intended to produce an evidence‑based recommendation that the community can review before any construction decision.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Committee Meeting - March 3rd, 2025 | Westford, MA","oneSentenceSummary","The Westford School Committee voted unanimously Monday to recommend town authorization of $1.6 million for a feasibility study and schematic report for the Robinson School, a required first step to apply for Massachusetts School Building Authority funding.","taxTitle","Westford Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",71050,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6302396,"School committee adopts revised transgender and gender‑nonconforming students policy after public comment",7593,251000,7844000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2477946-8fca72619dc705e4bbc8886e49eedf4e&start=251&end=7844","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2477946-8fca72619dc705e4bbc8886e49eedf4e/thumbnail_251000.jpg","/articles/6302396/Massachusetts/School-committee-adopts-revised-transgender-and-gendernonconforming-students-policy-after-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302396-48ceead446050357c373e6771e792cf3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442812&Signature=JBDIxTz4AxxmMKaTBs7r8Z62-MrHwPP2jA7mZcuQchIB-9r-6g-rWLVHGLFIGo8-LoJbHOXJdnG-SWQ21hu6umzqtPghkyO5r4IsvwhxptKDiGqCzJg-GKVoESb4cLRmCaXu9hTWzhHECtxVBt8ofEjXAXBEcT4ZaX6znztwyf0MSP94A-CbHdAmOQNB-DA9vTCIqLYzchvhM6SmWhpdf9-wrNO10M77ceLLCz8B~HNRZW0dnrn6EGkzliJoruSi3SlTmTc990oasXgkKFBa88LHSl44LsYI3q79ZS7OQ5yPTqYEgERjGpaHgyAXNip4h8t9Njz-tNmrGBbPa09v-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Westford School Committee on Monday unanimously approved revisions to district policy P5325 covering transgender and gender‑nonconforming students after public comment urging adoption.

A public commenter, Wendy Lloyd of 16 Pleasant Street, representing the Westford LGBTQ Friends and Allies group, told the committee the group supports the policy “with no further edits or changes” and called Westford’s protections for transgender and gender‑expansive youth “robust” and a model for other districts. Committee members also referenced a period of public comment and consultation with the district’s legal counsel before taking the vote.

Committee members described the policy as both a statement of values and an instructional guide for staff; they said it was drafted to align with state law and guidance. One member said approving the policy “makes a statement that they matter to us” and emphasized the policy’s role in protecting vulnerable students and reducing risks of self‑harm.

The motion to accept the updated P5325 carried on a unanimous voice vote.

Ending: Committee members said the policy will be posted and that if state guidance changes the committee will revisit the language; staff and policy subcommittee will monitor legal developments and public feedback.","After hearing public comment urging adoption, the Westford School Committee approved an updated policy (P5325) on transgender and gender‑nonconforming students with a unanimous vote.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6302399,"Committee debates moving local Election Day to Saturday; decision delayed for more information",1178,1916000,3094000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2477946-8fca72619dc705e4bbc8886e49eedf4e&start=1916&end=3094","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2477946-8fca72619dc705e4bbc8886e49eedf4e/thumbnail_1916000.jpg","/articles/6302399/Massachusetts/Committee-debates-moving-local-Election-Day-to-Saturday-decision-delayed-for-more-information","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302399-da8391653e5aff45910c4dff4d6fd7b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442812&Signature=U66A8FEYCj272NeyusWFY6H2Nz0ZrWpEnTqofEDiQ~myc7QL9xIKhBNE~h0~nXEDy4~J5JfSl5NOYHPXIqT6r1FRgzujtrtlXx6ydAnSG28-igx7~j7MPTdeJSotIOMVoudbxjTui6j9XVljL2UhsEv4j~za2g~SZlQJfHZWxfm9ehKxebJwPlFBk57p3Mo9nUTQ9hEjbYE2YtmxP45oi7-OS-BVJ5aFQHED2UB5rfzZTdOCCsv8tsJUgyd4c786ichY~OIStZLjKndMORw3zU67Hw6KE99XfuWk14ANGsdtSxC2hP9pWDWzppcI7kuBtYQ-9JOSGCxh8FK0c8Hpig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Westford School Committee spent significant time Monday discussing a citizen petition on the March 22 warrant that would move town local elections from Tuesday to Saturday.

The petitioner, a committee member who acknowledged she authored the citizen petition, told colleagues the change grew out of calendar conversations and could reduce midweek professional‑development days that currently keep students home on school days used for voting. Committee members and staff described tradeoffs: moving elections to Saturday could reduce conflicts with school activities and may be more family‑friendly, but it would shift staffing responsibilities (custodians, clerks, police details and other support) to a weekend and could create new conflicts with weekend events.

Committee members shared comparative information about nearby towns that hold Saturday local elections (Dedham, Easton, Bedford, Arlington, Pembroke, Hingham and Billerica were cited), and a town clerk consulted in another community told the petitioner she had not experienced more staffing difficulties on Saturdays than on other days. Members also noted early/mass mail‑in and early voting already provide additional ways to participate.

Members questioned whether moving Election Day would increase turnout; witnesses said many towns have long‑standing Saturday elections and there is no direct pre/post comparison data available in Westford. The committee discussed potential staff overtime costs, impact on school events and practices, and whether the select board or town should lead the initiative since it has town‑wide staffing implications.

After discussion the committee decided not to take a formal position at the meeting and agreed to revisit the petition at the March 17 School Committee meeting so members could collect additional information and hear any new input. Several members said they would do homework and that a decisive position before town meeting would be useful but should be based on more data.

Ending: The committee left the petition on the table for two weeks to allow follow‑up with the select board and town clerk and to gather information on staffing, turnout data from similar towns and potential costs; committee members said the item may be printed in the warrant booklet if the committee takes a position before town meeting.","Committee members discussed a citizen petition to move Westford’s local Election Day from Tuesday to Saturday and agreed to postpone taking a formal position until their March 17 meeting to gather more data and hear from other town boards.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6302401,"School committee approves 2025–26 calendar after minor edits; kindergarten screening day clarified",473,1441000,1914000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2477946-8fca72619dc705e4bbc8886e49eedf4e&start=1441&end=1914","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2477946-8fca72619dc705e4bbc8886e49eedf4e/thumbnail_1441000.jpg","/articles/6302401/Massachusetts/School-committee-approves-202526-calendar-after-minor-edits-kindergarten-screening-day-clarified","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302401-99c14d04a738d00e5b4aa6e55857e0fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442812&Signature=cAezOQdXMTd6dPbJmn6kqqIHQ2y18F~JX61JuSbEHHf2CK~FJvAAXIKwOCiFqe0z-pCnF1SpFVobJ5VMoPCthphAUx0txfHeISDWZ-yEjG508SKmzWOtm5BVlVUIAIrXNxRn6ta6zHip6pzOnIz01njVkCk5TuW6YgD-JZ~dM3ILCMLuTG8MHLHAyIIpj0wqsTQpmEqxvQfyotcK7VQ2r01JIGmdJZZexhHBleg5~3lgFfcaCUTRODSL1YQe8n2O~rp8mWMT3uKNYJNQErb2uLnxxKU1kgizXGG~~mJHWBSQ7ug4oU0N6NrBfDSP5s6LFeu0J6Od4lMnRBQs2IWErw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Westford School Committee approved the revised FY2025–26 school calendar Monday after brief discussion and a handful of wording and formatting edits.

The committee accepted a change that lists April 27, 2026, as a no‑school day for kindergarten students to allow staff to perform kindergarten screening for new entrants following April vacation. The change was added to the calendar front page with clarified text to reduce confusion about the length of April vacation. The committee also reviewed and accepted new start and dismissal times for district schools included on the reverse side of the calendar, and added a full URL for the district’s DEI/multicultural calendar.

Committee members discussed concerns raised during public comment that clustered early‑release days and other in‑week days off (often on Wednesdays) disrupt after‑school activities and extracurricular practice schedules. Committee leaders said the schedule intentionally consolidates many professional development early releases on Wednesdays for consistency; they noted that facilities are generally closed for extracurriculars on early‑release days unless otherwise specified.

The committee also corrected several AM/PM notations and removed a prominent red box that caused confusion about April 27’s application only to kindergarten screening. Members agreed schools will communicate building‑level details to families and principals will provide building‑specific instructions nearer the date.

A motion to approve the FY2025–26 calendar as amended carried on a unanimous voice vote. The committee asked staff to share the final calendar widely and to continue clarifying building‑level details as registration and scheduling approach.

Ending: Committee members said the revised calendar balances operational needs, screening requirements and family predictability; they moved on to other agenda items after approving the calendar.","The Westford School Committee approved the FY2025–26 school calendar as amended, including a kindergarten‑only screening day April 27 and updated start/dismissal times for several schools.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

School committee backs $1.6 million feasibility study for Robinson as space-usage review finds limited spare capacity

School committee adopts revised transgender and gender‑nonconforming students policy after public comment

Committee debates moving local Election Day to Saturday; decision delayed for more information

School committee approves 2025–26 calendar after minor edits; kindergarten screening day clarified