Dear Wilmington Residents,
This September, our town faces an important decision about the future of our schools and our community. After years of planning and review, we have the opportunity to build a new PreK–5 elementary school at the North Intermediate School site. I am asking you to join me in voting YES at the Special Town Meeting on September 13 and again at the ballot on September 16.
The truth is, many of our students are learning in buildings that are simply no longer equipped for today’s needs. The Woburn Street and North Intermediate schools are over 60 years old. They lack air conditioning, fire sprinklers, and accessibility for students with disabilities. Some students attend class in closets or converted locker rooms. Meanwhile, Wildwood students are bused across town every day because they no longer have a school of their own. These conditions are not just inconvenient, they’re inequitable, unsafe, and unfair to our teachers and students.
Approving this project now gives Wilmington access to $62 million in funding from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Out of 71 communities that applied in the same round, only 15 were accepted. This is a rare opportunity, and if we don’t move forward, we risk losing this support. That would mean either restarting the lengthy MSBA process from scratch or asking taxpayers to shoulder the full cost alone, both far more expensive options.
I understand the financial impact this project has on residents, but I also know that investing in our schools is an investment in our community’s future. Modern school facilities improve student learning, increase property values, and strengthen the town as a whole.
This is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about giving our children safe, accessible classrooms. It’s about smart planning that avoids higher costs down the road. And it’s about ensuring Wilmington remains a strong, vibrant place for families for generations to come.
Please join me in supporting this once-in-a-generation opportunity. Vote YES at Town Meeting on September 13 and again at the ballot on September 16, for our students, our community, and our future.
Sincerely,
Jake Gearwar
Wilmington Select Board
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