Robinson School committee reports low turnout for tours, warns MSBA process would restart if ballot measure fails at town meeting

The Robinson School Building Committee told the Westford School Committee on March 17 that public turnout for in-person forums and tours has been low but that a recorded tour has been viewed by more than 400 people.

A staff presenter said organizers held informational sessions at the Karen Senior Center and at Robinson itself; one in-person tour drew a resident who said they had not been inside the building "in years and years" and who left convinced of the building's needs. Another session had a single virtual attendee whose questions were addressed. "Over 400 people have seen the tour video," the presenter said, noting that the recorded option appears to be increasing reach.

The building committee said it plans to publish a clear yes/no table for town meeting to highlight consequences of a failed article, including the need to "start the MSBA process over again" and the likelihood of falling to the "back of the line" for state building assistance. The presenter said this information is intended to dispel misinformation about what a vote at town meeting would mean and to clarify that any construction or renovation project would require additional future votes.

Committee members encouraged continued outreach and stressed the value of providing options for residents who cannot attend in-person events. The presenter said a hybrid and recorded approach has allowed the committee to answer questions while distributing consistent messaging ahead of town meeting.

The update did not propose formal action on March 17; the presenter asked committee members to attend and vote at town meeting, and to continue public engagement. The building committee has scheduled additional outreach and will include the informational materials in the meeting packet for town meeting attendees.