Committee debates Ashby Elementary closure and budget adjustments for towns

The North Middlesex Regional School District (NMRSD) School Committee meeting on February 26, 2025, focused on critical budget discussions, particularly regarding the potential closure of Ashby Elementary School. The committee members expressed concerns about the lengthy debates surrounding Ashby, which have hindered discussions on other budget cuts and options.

One significant proposal discussed was the possibility of temporarily closing Ashby for a year to facilitate construction and alleviate financial burdens. A committee member suggested that this approach could provide time to reassess the situation and potentially secure state funding, which would ease the financial strain on the district. However, there were concerns about the feasibility of such a closure, as it would require extensive planning and could not be executed quickly.

Superintendent Patrick expressed reservations about the idea of closing the school, noting that if the building were officially closed and handed back to the town, it could not be reopened as a school. He emphasized the need for a more strategic approach, such as consolidating programs within the building without fully closing it. This would allow the district to maintain some operational capacity while reducing costs.

The committee also discussed the importance of providing a clear budget number to the towns, with some members advocating for a budget that included the closure of Ashby as a starting point for further negotiations. However, there was a general consensus that more discussions and adjustments to the proposed budget were necessary before finalizing any decisions.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges the NMRSD faces in balancing budgetary constraints with the need for effective educational facilities. The committee plans to continue discussions and explore various options to ensure the best outcomes for the district and its students.