Concerns over capital investment priorities for Lowell schools took center stage at the Lowell School Committee meeting on October 1, 2025. Committee members expressed frustration over the lack of communication between the school administration and city officials regarding essential infrastructure needs, particularly at the Bartlett School.

One committee member highlighted the necessity of addressing urgent repairs, such as roof and boiler replacements, but stressed the importance of establishing a clear set of priorities for future capital investments. "It would be helpful for the school side to have the ability to set some priorities," they noted, emphasizing that this clarity would aid the city in understanding where critical work is needed.

Another member, Mr. Conway, echoed these sentiments, recalling his own experiences at the Bartlett School and the ongoing issues that have been repeatedly raised without resolution. "There have been so many empty promises," he lamented, urging the committee to move beyond delays and take decisive action for the community's benefit.

The discussion underscored a pressing need for collaboration between the school committee and city council to ensure that infrastructure concerns are addressed promptly and effectively. As the committee considers joint meetings with city officials, the hope is to foster a more proactive approach to capital planning that prioritizes the needs of Lowell's schools.