Dear Editor and Wilmington Residents,
This September, Wilmington faces a once-in-a-generation decision. After years of planning, public input, and careful review, we are asking all residents to vote YES on building a new PreK–5 elementary school at the North Intermediate School site. This project is one that we have been very passionate about for several years.
Many of our youngest learners are in buildings that are simply not built for today’s learning environment. The Woburn Street and North Intermediate schools are more than 60 years old. They lack air conditioning, fire sprinklers, and basic accessibility for students with disabilities. Some students are learning in closets and former locker rooms. Wildwood students and teachers don’t even have a school they can call their own — they’re bused across town every day to the West Intermediate and Middle School. This isn’t just about modernizing. It’s about safety, equity, and giving every student the foundation they deserve.
If voters approve this project, Wilmington stands to receive $62 million in state funding from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA)—a critical contribution that will significantly reduce the cost burden on our town. Out of 71 communities that applied in the round Wilmington did in 2020, only 15 were accepted. Wilmington’s inclusion in the MSBA funding program demonstrates not only a rare opportunity but a clear recognition of the pressing need for a new school.
But here’s the catch: if either of the September votes fail — Town Meeting on the 13th or the ballot on the 16th — we will permanently lose this funding. Wilmington would have to restart the long, competitive MSBA process from scratch, or ask taxpayers to pay the full cost without state help. As we highlighted, the MSBA process takes years to go through, and funding is not guaranteed a second time around.
According to the Town Manager’s budget presentation, if this North Side school is approved and completed with MSBA support, the West Side of town could get a new PreK–5 school next, without requiring an override or debt exclusion.
This is about smart planning. It’s about making sure teachers can teach, students can learn, and Wilmington moves forward, not backward. Let’s not wait until things get worse or more expensive. Let’s act while we still have a real chance.
Please vote YES at the September 13 Town Meeting and again on September 16 at the ballot box. Vote YES for our children, our community, and our future.
Very truly yours,
Jennifer Bryson and Jesse Fennelly
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