Dear Fellow Community Members,
As a former School Committee member, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the vital role our public schools play—not just for our children, but for all members of our community. This is why I am strongly encouraging you to attend the Special Town Meeting on September 13, 2025, and vote YES in support of building a new Pre-K school.
During my 12 years on the School Committee, the challenges presented by our aging school buildings have been a constant concern. The number of transitions students must make between multiple outdated facilities directly affects the continuity of teaching and learning. Numerous evidence-based studies from the U.S. Department of Education confirm what we have long suspected: deteriorating school buildings negatively impact student outcomes. These include increased absenteeism, lower test scores, safety concerns, overcrowded classrooms, discipline issues, poor morale, and inadequate environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures and poor lighting—all of which create barriers to learning and teaching.
We’ve already experienced the disruptive effects of an unexpected school closure—how it fractures school communities, interrupts learning, and incurs significant financial costs to retrofit temporary spaces to meet federal and state standards. Sound familiar?
On the other hand, research also highlights the benefits of modern, well-designed school facilities. Beyond creating welcoming and inspiring environments, new buildings address many of the structural and environmental deficits that hinder learning. They are more energy-efficient, easier to maintain, and cost-effective in the long term. They also increase property values, serve as community gathering spaces, and foster a sense of pride in our town. Our High School, completed in 2015, is a powerful example of these benefits in action.
I fully understand the financial impact this may have on residents—myself included. However, we are at a critical point. With MSBA funding currently available, we have a unique opportunity to secure state support that will significantly reduce the financial burden on our town.
Our schools are the heart of our community. Investing in them is not a luxury—it is a necessity. It ensures Wilmington remains a vibrant, thriving, and welcoming place for families today and for generations to come.
For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to join me in voting YES on September 13th.
Sincerely,
MJ Byrnes
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