At one time Wellesley had 12 elementary schools. When enrollment dipped, schools were closed over time for cost-cutting measures, bringing the total down to 6. But with enrollment being cyclical in nature, it increased again. Modular classrooms were added onto existing school buildings (still used today) and eventually another school (Sprague) was opened, bringing the elementary school total to the 7 we have today. Currently many schools now face overcrowding, closed sections and the loss of specialist space (art/music-on-a-cart).
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Is it a good idea to repeat history? Financial efficiencies in the past have created expensive future outcomes.
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The National Trust for Historical Preservation says a feasiblilty study is the best way to determine the fate of a school. Yet the School Facilities Committee wants a feasibility study done after the decision to close a school will be made.
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The School Facilities Committee did over three years of hard work and research on their recommendation to consolidate to 6 schools. Yet public input wasn't requested until after their recommendation was final. The National Trust for Historical Preservation says "A study conducted behind closed doors does not consider all viewpoints or build trust and support from within the community."
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Curious about the school that the SFC said should close? Here's a detailed history of Hardy Elementary.