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District has classroom space but flags grade‑level pressures as Pepperell developments could add students
Summary
Superintendent Brad Morgan said the district currently has classroom capacity but cautioned that two Pepperell housing projects could bring 50–70 new students and concentrate incoming students in certain grade levels, prompting discussion of grade reconfigurations and a deeper review of class‑size assumptions.
The committee reviewed capacity planning in light of two Pepperell housing developments (Layton Landing and Woodland Ridge) that the chair said could attract students into the district. Pepperell’s developers estimate the projects could add roughly 50–70 students; timing depends on permitting (the chair said ground clearing and construction could start as early as 2026 after required notice and appeals windows).
Superintendent Brad Morgan presented a preliminary inventory of available full‑size classrooms and small rooms across the district and said there is “a significant amount of rooms and … some flexibility” if the district moves certain programs (for example, moving the STEPS program to Townsend could open multiple classrooms at Varnum Brook and Nissettissett). He cautioned that incoming students have been concentrated in kindergarten and sixth grade and that grade‑level concentrations can cause class‑size pressures even when overall space exists.
Members discussed options including shifting grade spans (for example, bringing eighth grade into the high school) and moving selected special‑education programs to different buildings. Concerns included transportation logistics, appropriate grouping of age cohorts, and ensuring any changes protect younger students' needs. The superintendent said administration will perform a deeper dive with solidified numbers and class‑size assumptions before the committee considers formal reconfiguration.
