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 a renovation with additions to the existing building. Both options aim to accommodate 665 students plus six pre-kindergarten classrooms, addressing overcrowding and accessibility issues. The discussion included architectural designs, sustainability goals, parking and traffic management, and community impact during construction. The committee highlighted the importance of balancing preservation with modern educational needs and sustainability, noting that the Massachusetts School Building Authority will reimburse 80% of eligible costs. Public feedback and further schematic design development were emphasized, with a decision expected by mid-August. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were made during this meeting, but the process involves hiring an Owner's Project Manager (OPM) and architects as next steps.