WESTFORD CENTER — The School Committee recently received an extensive update on the Robinson School building project.
Robinson Elementary School is currently in the early planning stages of a long-term school building project through the Massachusetts School Building Authority grant program. In late 2023, the MSBA voted to move Westford’s application into the eligibility phase, marking the first major step in a competitive multiyear process that could eventually provide state funding for a renovation or replacement project.
The project was initiated because Robinson has significant infrastructure and space concerns, including aging plumbing, heating, ventilation, electrical and fire protection systems, as well as classrooms that are smaller than current MSBA standards.
As part of the MSBA process, the town and school district must complete several planning and approval steps, including forming a building committee and conducting feasibility studies, before any final project proposal or funding agreement is approved.
On April 27, the School Committee announced that the feasibility studies have narrowed the most viable options to the current Robinson and Abbott school sites.
School Committee Co-Chair Valery Young said the project will remain a recurring agenda item as the district continues planning and community outreach efforts tied to the Massachusetts School Building Authority process.
Young said an initial study examined several alternative locations throughout town as part of the project’s feasibility phase. The review focused on town-owned parcels that met acreage requirements and could potentially support a school project.
Six sites were identified for further study, including recreation fields at 2 Farmer Way near Stony Brook Middle School, Jack Walsh Field, 17 Main Street, a parcel adjacent to 17 Main Street, Col. John Robinson School, and Abbott School.
Both the fields at 2 Farmer Way and Jack Walsh Field may face restrictions under Article 97, a state law that protects recreational land from conversion to other uses without legislative approval.
Young said those restrictions could significantly complicate or delay development.
The two town-owned parcels on Main Street were ruled out because they are designated water supply land.
Because of this, Young said the Robinson and Abbott school sites have emerged as the primary options moving forward.
The Robinson site remains viable, though planners noted several challenges, including wetlands, stream buffer zones and limited buildable space. The site contains about 5.5 acres of buildable land, which could create complications if phased construction or additions are pursued.
The Abbott site was described as having approximately 11.75 acres of buildable land. Young said they do not believe the site triggers Article 97 restrictions because the land is already owned by the school department, though additional reviews of restrictions are ongoing.
The School Committee also discussed results from an April 9 community forum that focused on project goals and priorities. Participants identified several key themes, including designing spaces for all learners, improving sustainability, creating safe outdoor areas and ensuring long-term value for the community.
Additional community forums are scheduled for May 18 at Robinson School, with a June 11 wrap-up session planned at Town Hall.
Committee members emphasized that the project remains in an early planning stage and said extensive public input and analysis will continue before any proposal is finalized for voters.
