Ashley School Building Committee July 25, 2026

The City of New Bedford's Ashley School Building Committee held a public meeting on July 25, 2026, to discuss plans for renovating or rebuilding the Ashley and Swift Elementary Schools. The committee reviewed two main options: a new construction or an extensive renovation (ad reno) of the existing buildings. Both options aim to accommodate 665 students plus six pre-kindergarten classrooms, addressing overcrowding and accessibility issues. The discussion included architectural designs, sustainability goals such as energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction, parking and traffic management plans, and community impact during construction. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is involved, providing up to 80% reimbursement of eligible costs. The committee is expected to make a decision on the preferred plan by August 12, 2026. Public feedback and input from teachers, parents, and preservationists were also considered, with emphasis on balancing historic preservation with modern educational needs and sustainability.