For decades, our district has been keen to show off its prestige, but one of its most unique perspectives is vanishing overnight. Since the 70s, our district has prided itself on self-governing schools with their own curriculum yet it has also seen the challenge of maintaining that system. Continuing this, prices have risen in past years, and our schools have had to contend with a changing budget. Thus, the ActonBoxborough School District has created a new plan, Option 5v2, an effort mainly to convert elementary schools into a more standardized system. As of January 22nd, this year, the school committee has voted on and initiated Reorganization Option 5v2, a controversial plan to adapt local elementary schools. From this, 5 new schools will be designated from pre-existing campuses, including two K-3 schools, two 4-6 schools at both the Boardwalk Campus and the Parker Damon building, and the continuation of Blanchard. Ultimately, Conant is being shut down to balance the district deficit and create financial breathing room for the other schools. Despite being in the same buildings, the district has also submitted 5 new temporary names to match state standards: Blanchard Memorial School (k-6), Boardwalk Lower School (k-3), Boardwalk Upper School (4-6), Parker Damon Lower School (k-3), and Parker Damon Upper School (4-6). As a result, both students and teachers may be displaced, including the placement of essential teaching staff in April with other specialized teachers being introduced later. Despite this, one key area of concern remains: the elimination of open enrollment. Beginning around the 1950s to the 1960s, a growing student population and the idea of different ideologies has been a major concern for parents, and how they want to raise their children. By 1972, this reached a turning point between local traditional and new, more progressive parents in Acton as they sought more ideology-connected schooling. At first, new schools and locations were introduced, and in response, the elementary schools now known as Gates, Conant, Douglas, McCarthy-Towne, and Merriam were developed around their own ideologies until Boxborough joined and merged Blanchard later on (ASCD). Over the years, the district has faced consistency problems with differing cultures in the schools and competitiveness. It can be seen as an experiment over the years, no matter which school students went to.
This led to differences in students depending on the school attended. Despite this, the administration wants to observe all scenarios and ideas that they view as potential benefits to the district. Reluctantly, an alternative geography-based plan that will be enforced starting in July. Compared to the previous lottery-based system, students will be assigned schools based on where they live. Unfortunately, this does mean students will be relocated to new schools, but the district is keeping a close eye on student health and hoping to continue family outreach. As of April ninth, the school committee successfully voted on Scenario 7 which among other things, grandfathers in Acton students attending Blanchard and those attending Acton schools in the Blanchard zoning area. Anyone who wants to follow along with any further changes can find AB’s Strategic Plan on the district website.
What does this mean for younger students? One thing is for sure, it won’t be the same AB that the graduates all remember. Those days in elementary school, playing with friends, or memories of beloved teachers will mark a bittersweet chapter in AB’s history. Aside from nostalgia, the elementary students’ daily lives will also experience a shift. New bus routes, classroom placements, larger classes and lunches, a standardized report card, and a more consistent curriculum will all be introduced, among other things. On the other hand, some of the core memories will remain, including lunch, specials, and hopefully, former teachers. While the whole plan is not necessarily clear yet, the administration is still pushing to hear the voices of its community. If a student or their parent is interested, the district hosts bi-weekly meetings on Tuesdays at seven pm until May 26th. Ultimately, our district’s quality and sustainability is being tested, and the next half decade will be the defining moment in the school system’s future. It has been an up and down journey to build our district, and it is up to local leaders to adapt for our future. 5v2 is one of many ways they believe it can be done, but it is also clear that the responsibility will have to be bridged between the community and administration. Stay involved in updates and learn about new opportunities within the district. Changes to both our communities and economy have left uncertainty, and it will take the best of both towns to work together and pave the way for the students of our future.
