Ashby residents criticize school closure and proposed budget cuts at public meeting

The North Middlesex Regional School District (NMRSD) School Committee meeting held on April 10, 2025, was marked by passionate public comments regarding significant budgetary decisions and the potential closure of Ashby Elementary School. The meeting began with public comments from residents expressing their concerns about the implications of recent decisions on the community and its students.

Chelsea Carr, a resident of Ashby, voiced her frustration over the committee's decision to close the town's only school. She argued that the closure would negatively impact property values and questioned the rationale behind charging for full-day kindergarten while also considering increases in preschool tuition. Carr highlighted the potential additional costs of busing kindergarteners from Ashby to Townsend, suggesting that these financial burdens could alienate families within the district. She criticized the committee for prioritizing administrative positions over student welfare, expressing confusion over the decision-making process and its impact on the community.

Carr's comments were followed by Carrie Mahoney Battersby, who expressed disappointment regarding proposed cuts to middle school athletics amidst a budget deficit of approximately $2 million. Battersby emphasized the importance of sports in fostering teamwork and confidence among students, arguing that reducing athletic programs sends a negative message to families. She also criticized the proposal for new administrative roles, questioning the appropriateness of adding positions while considering cuts to essential programs.

Craig Hanson, another resident, took a moment to acknowledge the service of outgoing committee members, thanking them for their contributions to the district despite the challenges faced.

Stacy Oettinger also spoke, expressing gratitude for committee members who have advocated for Ashby Elementary. She underscored the importance of maintaining the school for the rural community, noting that its closure could have lasting effects on property values and the community's well-being.

The meeting highlighted a growing tension between budgetary constraints and community needs, particularly in Ashby, where residents fear the loss of their only school could have detrimental effects on both education and local property values. The committee faces the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with the educational and social needs of its communities as it moves forward.