05/06/2024
๐ข๐ฃ๐๐ก๐๐ข๐ก - ๐ฅ๐ผ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ช๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฟ
๐ ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ป๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ผ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ
It is very important to me that all voters make informed choices. I want to ensure the correct information is out in regard to school closures.
During the budget process, the board prioritized researching and discussing the possibility of school consolidation as a cost saving measure. This option was extensively reviewed by the board and discussed at every meeting held, particularly on April 16th and April 30th; I encourage anyone interested to review the videos from those meetings.
Ultimately, it was determined that closing the Westford school, or any school at this moment, did not make sense in terms of cost-benefit analysis for many reasons. First and foremost, it would not be possible to do so and realize any cost-saving this fiscal year. School closures require a lengthy process, community conversation, and to be put forth to voters in all three communities within EWSD to approve and consent to closure of schools or disposal of facilities and property.
Additionally, there are many logistical factors to consider: the teachers are still under contract, the students still need transportation, and there would need to be placement of these students into the other schools where there is not space.
All of those logistics and more would have to be considered, before even weighing the huge impact to the families and community of Westford. It would be extremely unfair, irresponsible, and short-sighted for the board to sacrifice Westford school reactively as a quick fix, particularly since any potential cost saving measures would not come in time to impact this budget. We believe we owe it to all our constituents, including Westford, to do the real, time-consuming work of proactively and carefully planning how to equitably serve our entire community.
As a board, we have discussed that school consolidation should only be explored as part of a comprehensive study, with sustained community engagement and matched with sufficient statewide school construction funding. We want to do our work strategically, thoughtfully, with community input, and in a way that mitigates harm to our students and families; making the wise investments that come with putting in the time and effort to do the work well.
You can watch the past meetings and read the minutes in which the idea of closing schools, not limited to Westford but including other buildings, has been discussed as a potential cost-saving measure for future years. The board is committed to explore these and other long-term, significant cost-saving options in a responsible manner.
I again ask voters to review the significant, factual information immediately available about our budget, and look forward to seeing you at the polls.
