The four options submitted by the steering committee to the school committee for consideration include:
- Option 3, Version 2 (3.2): Consolidate to 5 K-6 schools by closing the Merriam school and relocating the Conant school community into the available space.
- Option 4: Consolidate to 5 K-6 schools by merging Merriam and McCarthy-Towne, and relocating the Conant school community to the available space
- Option 5, Version 2 (5.2): Hybrid Grade-Band Model: Blanchard remains K-6, while Boardwalk and Parker Damon Campuses are split into Lower Schools (K-3) and Upper Schools (4-6).
- Option 6: Consolidate from 6 schools to 3 larger K-6 schools.
As communications from both Superintendent Peter Light and Principal Christina Gavin have affirmed – none of these options have a pathway for Merriam School to exist in its current form. This is a difficult crossroads to be present in as a community and we know that this uncertainty about what the next academic year will be like is impacting staff, students, and families in a significant way. The PTO will be organizing in-person and virtual opportunities for the Merriam community to gather for discussion and details will be forthcoming. If you have questions about meeting attendance or participation, please contact Suzy (suzytompkins@yahoo.com) or Kim (kcanuette AT gmail DOT com).
You can review materials available on the AB Forward website and consider attending these upcoming meetings:
Acton Boxborough Regional School Committee Meeting – Thursday December 18th 6:30pm
- Here is a link to the School Committee Meeting agenda: Acton-Boxborough Regional School District – Meeting Information
- Here is a link to the AB Forward packet for school committee review prior to the meeting: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/581950608/
Acton Boxborough Regional School Committee Meeting – Thursday January 8th 6:30pm
- School Committee Final Public Hearing on AB Forward Final Options
Acton Boxborough Regional School Committee Meeting – Thursday January 22nd 6:30pm
- School Committee makes final decision on one preferred option for reorganization
If you are unable to attend the school committee meetings or have information that you would like to share that are more comprehensive than can be communicated in the limitations of public comment portions of the meetings you can also contact the committee by email and can find their contact information here: Acton-Boxborough Regional School District – Members