Stoughton plans new K-5 school to consolidate existing elementary facilities

The Stoughton Public Schools Board convened on March 17, 2025, to discuss a significant proposal for a new elementary school aimed at addressing the growing needs of the district. The proposed school would be a three-story building designed to accommodate 600 students, consolidating the existing South and Wilkinson schools into one facility. This move is part of a broader educational plan to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the town's elementary education system.

The new school is structured to separate students by grade levels, with kindergarten and first grade on the first floor, second and third grades on the second floor, and fourth and fifth grades on the third floor. This design is intended to create a more organized learning environment and alleviate overcrowding issues currently faced by the South School, which is operating beyond its intended capacity.

Board members emphasized that the consolidation would not only streamline operations but also result in cost savings for the town by reducing the number of elementary schools from five to four. The plan includes transitioning the Wilkins School into a preschool and closing the Jones School and the old South School, with the properties being handed back to the town for potential sale. The board has already initiated steps to facilitate this process.

A crucial aspect of the discussion was the upcoming vote scheduled for April 8, 2025, where residents will decide on the approval of the new school. If approved, the Jones School would be taken offline once the new facility is constructed. The board highlighted that regardless of the vote's outcome, a town-wide redistricting of students is planned, indicating that changes to school assignments will occur irrespective of the new school's approval.

The board also noted the financial implications of the project, estimating that selling the closed school properties could generate between $5 to $10 million, which would help offset the costs of building the new school. The current operational costs of the aging South and Jones schools are reportedly higher than those of the new high school, underscoring the need for a more efficient educational infrastructure.

In conclusion, the proposed new elementary school represents a pivotal step in addressing the educational needs of Stoughton, with significant implications for student capacity, operational efficiency, and financial management within the school district. The upcoming vote will be a critical moment for the community as it considers the future of its educational facilities.