Dear Acton-Boxborough Staff, Families, and Community Members,
I am writing to you today, following the final deliberation and vote of the AB Forward Steering Committee (SC) that took place last night. This moment marks a key moment in our district’s reorganization process.
First, I want to acknowledge the deep commitment each of you brings to our community. This initiative, AB Forward, has been a complicated and difficult process for everyone involved. I understand these changes bring uncertainty and mixed emotions; it’s okay to feel both committed to our mission and saddened by potential transitions.
I hear the frustration and sadness over this necessary shift. Many of you have shared heartfelt accounts of the emotional stress that the uncertainty and debate have caused. Discussions about closing schools feel like a conversation about loss, especially for those families whose children have already experienced major changes, such as navigating early elementary years during COVID. I want to assure you that the core strength of Acton-Boxborough has always been its people: our students, families, and educators.
A Unanimous Strategic VisionDespite the challenges of reorganization, I am proud to share that the Steering Committee was strongly united about our long-term purpose. We voted unanimously to recommend the Theory of Action and four Priority Areas of the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan.
This framework ensures our work is anchored in our core mission: "to provide high-quality, inclusive educational opportunities that inspire a community of learners." The unanimous decision provides a stable foundation, ensuring that whatever path we choose, our focus remains on maximizing learning for every student, supporting staff, achieving financial sustainability, and fostering inclusive communities.
The Reorganization VoteAfter a long, focused discussion about balancing long-term financial stability with minimizing disruption, the Steering Committee achieved a final decision on which reorganization options to advance.
The committee voted 11 votes in favor, 6 votes opposed, with 2 abstentions and 1 absence, to advance four elementary-focused options to the School Committee for a final decision. All four scenarios reflect the inevitable need to consolidate the elementary buildings from four buildings to three, requiring the closure of the Conant building.
The four options advanced are:

1. 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.
2. Option 4: Consolidate to 5 K–6 schools by merging Merriam and McCarthy-Towne, and relocating the Conant school community into the available space.
3. 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).
4. Option 6: Consolidate from 6 schools to 3 larger K–6 schools.