The Lowell School Committee meeting on October 1, 2025, highlighted urgent concerns regarding accessibility issues at the Bartlett School, particularly the malfunctioning wheelchair lifts that have left students with disabilities struggling to access their classrooms and participate in school activities. Teachers and community members voiced their frustrations, emphasizing that the ongoing problems not only violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but also undermine the dignity and educational opportunities of all students.

Amanda Satterfield, a music teacher at the Bartlett, shared her firsthand experiences with the lifts, which have been out of service for over three years. She described the impact on students, noting that they have been forced to relocate classes and materials, disrupting their learning environment. Satterfield pointed out that the lack of functional lifts has led to significant delays in music instruction and has even caused students to change schools due to accessibility issues.

Joanne Downing, a long-time teacher at the Bartlett, echoed these sentiments, stating that the broken lifts create barriers that deny students equal access to their own school. She highlighted the broader pattern of neglect regarding the Bartlett's infrastructure, including unsafe parking lots and inadequate facilities compared to other schools in the district. Downing urged the committee to prioritize repairs and ensure that all students have safe and dignified access to their education.

The committee members expressed their commitment to addressing these issues, with discussions centered around the need for a report detailing the delays in lift repairs and clarifying the responsibilities of the school district and the city. There was a consensus that the ongoing neglect of the Bartlett School's infrastructure is unacceptable and that immediate action is necessary to rectify these disparities.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for solutions was palpable, with educators and community members calling for accountability and a clear plan to ensure that all students, regardless of their physical abilities, can thrive in a supportive learning environment. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining how quickly these long-standing issues can be resolved, reflecting the community's commitment to equity in education.