WESTFORD — The School Committee unanimously approved a 705-student enrollment design for the proposed Robinson School building project during its Oct. 19 meeting.
This vote advances plans to combine two elementary schools and transition the district toward a kindergarten-through-fifth-grade model.
The decision follows multiple discussions about enrollment projections, building conditions, educational programming, and the long-term needs of Westford Public Schools.
Committee members have been considering three enrollment options: a 470-student model that would maintain the district’s existing elementary school structure, a 705-student model combining Robinson and Abbott elementary schools, and a 1,065-student model that would also incorporate Day School.
Superintendent Christopher Chew recommended the 705-student option, describing it as a balance between addressing existing facility needs and maintaining flexibility for future enrollment changes.
Under the selected plan, Robinson and Abbott would be consolidated into a K–5 school, with preschool also included in the proposed building project. The change would allow the district to move toward a K–5 configuration across its elementary schools, replacing the existing structure that separates kindergarten through second grade from grades three through five.
Committee members discussed the educational benefits of reducing transitions between schools, allowing students to remain in the same building longer and strengthening relationships among students, families, and educators.
The committee also considered the potential challenges of operating a larger elementary school alongside smaller buildings throughout the district.
Members who recently toured elementary schools in other communities said building design could help preserve a smaller, more personal learning environment, even within a school serving approximately 700 students.
The larger 1,065-student option raised concerns about concentrating too many students in one location, increasing traffic and creating enrollment disparities between elementary schools.
Chew also said that the larger model could result in the district constructing more space than necessary, particularly given declining enrollment trends.
The condition of Day School remained a concern during the discussion. Committee member Shana Farnsworth questioned whether selecting the 705-student model could leave the town facing approximately $20 million in potential repairs and improvements to Day School in the coming years.
Although the approved enrollment option would not automatically resolve those facility needs, committee members emphasized the importance of continuing long-term planning and keeping residents informed about future costs.
The committee also discussed the possibility of repurposing the Abbott building for municipal or school administrative purposes if the consolidation eventually moves forward.
Officials stressed that the vote establishes the enrollment design for continued planning through the Massachusetts School Building Authority process. It is not final approval of construction or project funding. The project remains subject to additional planning, design decisions and local approvals.
Residents will have opportunities to learn more about the proposal at upcoming public forums, including a meeting on Nov. 17 at Stony Brook Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. and a virtual information session scheduled for Nov. 20 at noon.
