By Carlie Lombardi

On Thursday, February 6, The School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee met virtually to discuss important issues surrounding the future of school infrastructure in the city. The meeting, which covered various topics, was focused on the process of replacing the Winter Hill Community Innovation School, the results of the community feedback survey, and the timeline for school construction.

Survey Sparks Debate Over School Plans

The School Building Community Feedback Survey, which was posted without first being reviewed by the Community Advisory Group (CAG), was the subject of a heated debate during the meeting. Several council members and community representatives expressed concerns that the survey was biased in favor of a single large school model rather than preserving neighborhood schools.

City officials defended the survey, stating that it was intended to collect broad community feedback. However, some argued that its design appeared to guide responses toward a predetermined outcome. There were calls for the survey to be withdrawn, its data discarded, and a revised version to be developed, but officials ultimately decided to keep the survey active, with the possibility of making revisions based on further review.

Community Decision Making Concerns

The meeting revealed some frustrations among CAG members and school communities. Many felt that their voices were not being heard and that the public engagement process lacked transparency. Both Winter Hill and Brown School representatives voiced opposition to any proposal that would make their schools into a larger institution, fearing it would disrupt the close-knit environments that they have with their current educational models.

Additionally, some council members highlighted that past miscommunications and a lack of overall decision making had reduced the trust in city led school projects. They urged city officials to take community concerns seriously to ensure a fair and transparent process moving forward.

Winter Hill School Replacement and Construction Timeline

The committee also reviewed the timeline for replacing the Winter Hill Community Innovation School, which was closed due to structural concerns. City officials provided an update on the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process, noting that the project has advanced to the next phase, which includes forming a team and hiring an architect by mid 2025.

A major point of discussion was whether the new school should be built on the current Winter Hill site or moved to another location, such as Trum Field or the DPW site. Council members debated the logistical and financial challenges of each option and emphasized the need for a decision that best serves students and the community.

Another significant issue raised was the Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion, which would require voter approval for a tax increase to fund the new school construction. Council members stressed the importance of gaining public support for the increase, acknowledging that strong communication and community buy-in would be essential for success.

Key Takeaways

• The city will continue looking for potential locations for the Winter Hill School, taking into account factors like open space preservation and accessibility.
• Selecting an architect and site will begin in mid 2025, with a goal of finalizing plans by the end of the year.
• Council members stressed the need for clear and transparent communication to ensure a successful school building project.

The next committee meeting will revisit these issues and continue efforts to reach a community driven resolution for the future of the city’s schools.