Woburn School Committee authorizes MSBA statements of interest for two elementary schools

WOBURN, Mass. — The Woburn School Committee voted April 1 to authorize the superintendent to submit Statements of Interest (SOIs) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for Mary D. Altavesta Elementary School and Linscott Rumford Elementary School, the committee announced at a special meeting.

The committee approved an Altavesta SOI dated April 2026 that outlines priorities to eliminate existing severe overcrowding, prevent overcrowding expected from increased enrollments, replace or modernize building systems (roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation) to improve energy conservation, and to replace or add to obsolete buildings to support state‑required programs. The committee amended the Altavesta motion to add SOI priority 5 — “replacement, renovation, and modernization of school facilities” — after consulting with MSBA staff and discussion among members.

"Priority five is replacement, renovation, and modernization of school facilities," Dr. Crowley said during the discussion, urging clarity so the MSBA application would reflect the district's needs. Ms. Cormier said the committee was removing what had been drafted as priority one for the community because, she said, "while our buildings are in disrepair, they're not losing bricks and people can't get hurt. So that's why one doesn't qualify." The motion as read also explicitly notes that the MSBA "in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant, or any funding commitment." (Motion read by Ms. Cormier.)

After members moved and seconded the amendment to add priority five, the committee voted in favor of the amendment and then voted to approve the amended Altavesta SOI. Ms. McCloud was noted as taking the written record that will be posted on the district website.

The committee then voted, with no further discussion recorded, to authorize submission of an SOI dated April 2026 for Linscott Rumford Elementary School at 86 Elm Street. That motion lists the same set of priorities — addressing current and anticipated overcrowding, modernization of systems to reduce energy costs, and replacement or addition to obsolete buildings — and includes the same MSBA acknowledgement that the agency does not guarantee application acceptance or funding.

The meeting concluded after the committee reviewed the adopted priorities for the minutes, returned the gavel to Chair Cormier, and adjourned. The SOIs will be finalized and transmitted to the MSBA ahead of the stated April closing dates noted during the meeting.