Committee confirms Ashby Elementary closure is in process; reopening would add staff and cost

Committee members clarified that a vote taken at an earlier meeting to close Ashby Elementary School is now in process with the state and cannot be rescinded at this time. During public comment, residents sought clarity about where the previously discussed $1.1 million figure to reopen Ashby would come from.

Committee members and presenters explained that the $1.1 million referenced would cover bringing back positions and services removed during consolidation: a full-time principal, nurse, counselor, custodial staff, and certain technology and infrastructure work that was not completed in FY25. Presenters noted the initial FY25 operating cost baseline for Ashby was about $1.7 million, and some prior savings reflected staffing consolidation and retirements; restoring the building would not simply reverse a single cut but would reintroduce multiple personnel and operating costs.

Keenan Francois stated on the record that the closure vote at the previous meeting is currently final: "That decision at this time is permanent and cannot be undone, and any budget that might include Ashby Elementary School is null and void." The committee and administration said they are awaiting a response from the Massachusetts School Building Authority about the process and that towns and administration remain in communication with the MSBA.

Why it matters: The closure affects facility planning, staffing and operational budgets across the district and has implications for town assessments if the committee later decides to reopen or pursue capital work. Public questions about the cost and staffing to reopen underscore the fiscal and service trade-offs tied to this decision.

Next steps: The administration and towns will continue communications with MSBA; the committee requested documentation of the positions and infrastructure items associated with reopening should the issue be revisited in future budget cycles.