UPDATE: Chelmsford is set to hold a crucial public forum regarding the Parker Middle School building project on Thursday, November 20, at 7 p.m. This meeting will take place at the Chelmsford-Lowell Elks Lodge, located at 300 Littleton Road. Community engagement is vital as the school district moves forward in the feasibility study phase of this significant project.
Prior to the forum, the School Building Committee will convene at 6 p.m. at the same venue, laying the groundwork for a productive discussion. This forum is part of a series aimed at gathering community feedback, following an initial session held on October 22.
Why This Matters: The Parker School project is a critical investment in the future of education in Chelmsford. The district has successfully partnered with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), which will provide funding support with a base reimbursement rate of 52% for eligible costs. David Saindon, project executive with LeftField Project Management, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “If a district gets invited in, that district has won the lottery.”
The design team, led by Ai3 Architects, recently toured the existing Parker Middle School. Project manager Tori Geier noted that despite ongoing maintenance efforts, the building shows signs of age, particularly concerning accessibility and compliance with current codes. Geier highlighted that many learning spaces fall short of MSBA guidelines, underscoring the urgent need for upgrades.
At the earlier forum, community members participated in an interactive mapping exercise to identify challenges and opportunities of the current site. Attendees expressed their vision for the project, focusing on key elements such as town support, inclusivity, and sustainability. The community’s input is essential to shape a school that meets modern educational needs.
What’s Next: Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming forum to voice their opinions and contribute to this vital project. For more information on the Parker Middle School building project, visit parkermsproject.com.
In a related community initiative, State Representative Tara Hong is organizing a Pet Food Drive to support the Lowell Humane Society’s pet food pantry. The drive will take place on Saturday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to noon at 951 Broadway St. Hong stated, “This time of year can be tough for people when it comes to food insecurity,” emphasizing the importance of addressing pet food needs in the community.
Residents unable to attend the drive can still contribute by visiting lowellhumanesociety.org/donate/wish-list for alternative donation options.
Stay tuned for more updates on these critical community developments in Chelmsford.
