RSBC Public Forum - October 14th, 2026

The Westford school-building public forum, identified in the meeting title as October 14, 2026, provided an update on the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) feasibility study for elementary-school facilities. The study began with a $1.66 million authorization at Town Meeting in March 2025, and the MSBA has committed to reimbursing 48% of eligible project costs. The team narrowed 18 concepts to seven options addressing enrollment scenarios of 470, 705, or 1,065 students, principally at the Robinson or Abbott sites. Vertex was identified as the owner’s project manager. No construction contract awards or vendor bids were presented; the project’s preferred design and budget remain under development.

The School Building Committee accepted the sustainability group’s recommendation for a geothermal well field combined with rooftop air-source heat pumps, an all-electric system selected for projected efficiency, life-cycle value, and maintainability; solar photovoltaic installation remains for later consideration. Rough cost comparisons included approximately $67.1 million for a full Robinson renovation that would not resolve all educational deficiencies, and discussion of a consolidated Abbott project in the approximate $200–220 million range; detailed estimates are expected during schematic design. The school committee was scheduled to select an enrollment model on October 19, the building committee a site on October 27, and the preferred solution was scheduled for a November 24 vote. A final project funding decision is expected at Town Meeting in October 2027 and would also require a ballot vote. Participants discussed outreach and potential impacts on taxpayers; no final construction funding vote was taken at this forum.