Woburn files Statement of Interest with MSBA to consolidate two North Woburn elementary schools and expand special-education space

Superintendent Dr. Crowley told the Woburn School Committee on April 14 that the district will submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) this week seeking entry into the MSBA pipeline to consolidate Alta Vista and Linscott/Rumford into a single elementary school serving North Woburn.

The proposal aims to add dedicated space for an Early Childhood Program (ECP) and to plan for a larger continuum of special-education services, including space that could support the district’s RISE program. "This is a grant application. This is not a guarantee that we will be ... accepted into the pipeline," Dr. Crowley said, stressing the SOI signals interest and begins MSBA’s screening process.

Why it matters: the SOI would begin a multi-stage MSBA review (feasibility study and site visits) that, if successful, could lead to partial state reimbursement of building costs. Dr. Crowley and administration said the earliest project timeline — assuming MSBA acceptance, local approvals and funding — could be several years, with construction realistically many years out.

Key points from the presentation: administration cited a 1990s master plan and a 2023 feasibility study confirming Alta Vista and Linscott/Rumford are nearing the end of useful life, described significant limitations in both buildings (lack of elevator at the Alta Vista, cramped spaces for specialists and therapists, insufficient power/outlets for devices), and noted potential enrollment pressure in North Woburn tied to proposed housing (up to 2,600 units in planning or permitted phases). The SOI envisions consolidating the two schools, adding ECP capacity, and designing classrooms and therapy spaces to support modern special-education needs.

Community engagement and next steps: Dr. Crowley said the district will continue community engagement and noted the building-committee model will include subject-matter experts (occupational therapists, related-service providers) to advise on room layouts and acoustics. The SOI will be filed before the MSBA deadline (committee noted the application period closes April 17); the district expects to hear whether it is invited into the MSBA pipeline in the fall.

What the SOI does not commit: Dr. Crowley emphasized the application does not commit the city to any capital spending. He said MSBA participation begins with the feasibility review and that any local decisions about scope, costs and municipal matching funds would come later.

Questions raised: committee members asked about the MSBA timeline (often measured in years), how the district will ensure the ECP and RISE needs are captured in schematic design, and whether the community and related-service providers will participate on the building committee. Administration said those details would be addressed if MSBA invites Woburn into the pipeline.

Provenance: Dr. Crowley presented the SOI overview and fielded committee questions between SEG 286 and SEG 622 of the transcript.