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Residents urge committee not to pursue facilities plan 'option six' that would close Shien
Summary
Public commenters at the May 14 meeting urged the committee to reject 'option six' of the facilities master plan — which they said could close and demolish Shien — and to prioritize renovation and neighborhood schools; committee acknowledged concerns and the MSBA review process.
Several residents used the public‑comment period May 14 to urge the Westwood School Committee to reconsider a facilities master plan alternative known as "option six," which speakers said would close the Shien neighborhood school and consolidate grades 5–8 in larger buildings.
Melinda Garfield, a Shien parent and former Westwood Media Center director, told the committee she had watched municipal discussions "almost as though it's a foregone conclusion" and asked the district to prioritize renovation and an addition to Shien rather than closure and demolition. She cited enrollment projections in the facilities study indicating capacity at other schools and urged the committee to weigh neighborhood impacts and the district’s long‑range capital plan.
Another speaker, representing experience in a 5–8 model, said that while the configuration can sound concerning, properly planned middle‑grade configurations can work well; a different parent reinforced neighborhood advantages of small elementary schools and said she preferred keeping fifth graders in elementary buildings.
The chair acknowledged the comments and noted the facilities plan remains in process with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), so no final decision was made at the meeting. The public comment period closed after several speakers made similar appeals to preserve Shien and to consider renovation options.
