The Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee heard an update on AB Forward on Nov. 18 after the district’s steering committee met earlier this week to winnow potential reconfiguration options.

Adam (steering committee member) told the committee the steering session included strong community turnout and multiple rounds of vetting: “Over 15,100 completed surveys, over 200 people in focus groups, over 300 people in public forums,” he said, and described a staged voting process that removed option 7.2, the status-quo option and several others, including multiple alternatives that affected secondary-school configurations. He noted that the set of remaining choices includes variations in which the Conant facility does not continue in its current form.

District leaders acknowledged the emotional toll on families and staff. The committee chair said the process requires time and care, adding that “there’s going to be a moment of we have to acknowledge that sense of loss and grieve for what we’re feeling right now.” Trustees pledged additional outreach and supports for communities directly affected.

Public comment reflected both practical and emotional concerns. Resident Greg Jarboe said the absence of local daily newspapers puts added burden on residents to document the process. Kristen Hilberg, speaking as both a parent and as chair of the Boxborough select board, urged collaboration between town and district officials and emphasized that Boxborough residents want voice and clarity on options that could affect Blanchard and Conant.

State legislators joined the meeting to hear the committee and share context on school funding. Senator Eldridge and representatives discussed recent and proposed state adjustments to school-aid formulas, including the Student Opportunity Act and changes to minimum per-pupil aid, while cautioning that larger formula changes would require significant new state revenue. Legislators encouraged the district to submit comments for an upcoming DESE study of local contributions and pledged to continue advocacy.

What’s next: the steering committee will reconvene and present further refinements; district leaders and the committee said additional public engagement opportunities are scheduled through January, culminating in a committee vote on Jan. 22.