The School Committee has failed us.
Background
On 1/22/26, the School Committee voted in favor of Option 5v2 and against Option 4, while simultaneously:
Closing 5 of 6 K–6 elementary schools;
Eliminating school choice/open enrollment;
Implementing immediate geographic zoning for the next school year, displacing the maximum number of students.
All residents will be negatively impacted by diminished home values regardless of students in schools.
We do not believe the School Committee adequately fulfilled its responsibility to carefully evaluate and select the most appropriate school enrollment option. This petition requests that the School Committee immediately pause and reconsider its decision.
Personal Agenda: Evidence that Tori, Adam, Peter and Andrew S pushed for their personal preference
Vikrim was denied reading a letter at 12/15/25
Wording in early packet steered public to 5v2 (“overwhelming favorite”)
Evidence of discussions prior to meeting to avoid certain topics 1/22/26
Unsubstantiated claims of school structure used to advance a personal agenda
Disregard for:
Economic impact on home values and tax rates (seen in Westford)
Maximum student disruption
Special needs students in geo-based enrollment zones
School culture, town identity, alumni pride, history, etc.
P ublic opinion (800 person petition ignored, emails, comments, questions disregarded)
Unsubstantiated allegations of racism and inequity used to deflect
Unnecessarily created social, economic and educational segregation
Failure to provide timely and complete information (new info coming out just hours prior to vote)
Censored, accused and shut down community members who questioned special education related budget