WESTFORD — Officials outlined several ongoing projects and upcoming decisions in the town’s October newsletter, including developments in the Robinson School Building Project, a transition in town leadership and preparations for Special Town Meeting.
The Future of Elementary Schools
The Robinson School Building Committee has narrowed 18 preliminary designs to seven districtwide options as it continues evaluating the future of Westford’s six elementary schools. The proposals come in a range of estimated costs from $128 million to $250 million. This is before potential reimbursement from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, which has committed to covering 48% of eligible costs.
Several options involve consolidating elementary schools and transitioning to a unified kindergarten-through-fifth-grade structure. According to the newsletter, renovating Robinson, Abbot and Day schools to meet current code requirements alone would cost approximately $200 million combined, without addressing capacity, configuration, or educational programming needs.
The three schools were identified as having significant capital needs in a 2023 districtwide facilities assessment, with Robinson’s outdated floor plan being rated the most urgent. Residents can learn more about the proposals during a community forum scheduled for Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Stony Brook Middle School. See The Villager’s up-to-date coverage elsewhere in this issue.
Who Will Be The Next Town Manager
Also, Westford has entered a leadership transition following the departure of former Town Manager Kristen Las, whose last day was Sept. 30. Mike Edwards took over the role of interim town manager on Oct. 1, while a newly created Town Manager Search Committee will assist in selecting a permanent replacement.
In his October message, Edwards emphasized maintaining town services and advancing ongoing projects during the transition. The committee is expected to work over the coming months to help identify Westford’s next Town Manager.
Special Town Meeting
Residents will also have an opportunity to weigh in on several municipal matters during Special Town Meeting on Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. at Westford Academy.
The meeting will feature 10 warrant articles, including a citizens’ petition proposing to reduce the Community Preservation Act surcharge from 3% to 2%, adoption of the state’s Specialized Energy Code, appropriation of PFAS settlement funds and zoning amendments concerning small clean-energy facilities.
Free childcare and transportation will be available with advance registration. Residents must register for childcare by Oct. 16 and transportation by Oct. 22. Accessible parking and assisted listening devices will also be available.
Town Meeting Accessibility and Participation
Other initiatives highlighted in the newsletter include efforts by the Commission on Disability to improve accessibility and participation at Town Meeting. The commission plans an online panel discussion with local and state representatives to examine potential barriers to civic participation.
Unwanted Paint Disposal
The Recycling Commission also announced its support for proposed statewide paint stewardship legislation. Westford is among 119 Massachusetts towns supporting the initiative, which would establish a system for residents to dispose of unwanted paint through participating retailers while potentially reducing municipal hazardous waste disposal costs.
Residents can find more information about projects, upcoming meetings, and what’s going on in their town by visiting westfordma.gov.
