Woburn committee authorizes chair to seek funding for modular classrooms amid redistricting debate

The Woburn School Committee on Feb. 26 voted 5–2 to authorize the committee chair to pursue funding and agreements to acquire modular classrooms from Nauset Public Schools and to request a feasibility study and timeline from city officials.

The move followed a detailed presentation from Facilities Director Lenny Burnham, who described the set of 37 modular units the district has been offered and the preliminary cost estimates. “We would look at trying to just basically pick it up in pieces and move it here,” Burnham said, describing an approach intended to limit reengineering of the units and reduce design costs.

Why it matters: Committee members and administrators said the district faces immediate space pressure in multiple elementary schools and needs options that allow a long-term redistricting plan without repeatedly moving children. Superintendent Dr. Crowley told the committee the modulars “buy the city time to build a school in North Woburn, with an ECP attached,” and said the option allows cleaner redistricting than repurposing an existing elementary school.

What the committee voted: The motion authorized the chair to present the modular option to the mayor and city council, to negotiate terms and to request money for a targeted feasibility study. The motion passed 5–2; the committee recorded the vote as 5 in favor and 2 opposed.

Costs and site questions: Burnham and the administration presented several cost estimates and caveats. They estimated unit acquisition at roughly $100,000 per module (used-unit estimate), moving costs in the ballpark of $500,000, reassembly and site foundations in the combined range of roughly $1.2 million–$1.7 million depending on soil and utilities, plus additional costs for power, water and vehicle access. He said a Danisco Design feasibility study of potential sites would cost about $30,000 and recommended it as a near-term next step to assess soils, three-phase power, sewer connections, parking and drop-off requirements.

Administrators warned of schedule risk. Burnham said the modulars are on Nauset property and must be removed if not sold; moving them from Cape Cod adds seasonal transport uncertainty. Several committee members and parents said that reality increases the importance of a rapid feasibility study and clear contingency planning.

Community input and concerns: Residents who testified during public comment urged transparent, timely communication and questioned whether modulars would require removal of playgrounds or other open space. Parents on the advisory redistricting committee asked for more time and clarity about scenarios beyond the single large proposal they had seen earlier. Bernice Friedman, a Shamrock parent representative on the advisory committee, told the committee that parents felt “confused and rushed” about proposed redistricting moves and urged more outreach.

Next steps: The committee directed the administration to provide the city with the modular proposal and to seek funding for a site feasibility study, while also asking the consultant preparing redistricting maps to include modular-based scenarios and companion “pressure-point” scenarios (maps that show how to relieve immediate crowding if modulars are not available). The school committee said it wants the feasibility work completed quickly so a purchase decision could be made within the spring city budget cycle if feasible.

What remains unresolved: No final site was selected; the administration said possible locations include fields near Kennedy or Reeves schools, but soil, sprinklering, parking and traffic constraints differ between sites. Committee members also asked the administration to return costed contingency plans if modules cannot reach Woburn by September.