In August 2024, the Neary Building Committee (NBC): 

Voted a preferred option: New Construction of a School that will contain grades two through five

Submitted a Preferred Schematic Report (PSR) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for the Board of Directors approval this October

What are the benefits of a newly constructed Two-Five school?
Reduce the Number of School Transitions for Students
  • Shift from three elementary schools to two
  • Woodward (K-1)
  • New School (2-5)
Create Grade-Level Learning Neighborhoods
  • Create a school-within-a-school atmosphere
  • Support a sense of community
  • Align with the values of the community (i.e., ADA accessibility)
Classroom Design
  • Prioritize space flexibility
  • Accommodate diverse groupings of students
  • Support Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
  • Create spaces for collaborative learning projects and group work
  • Small group breakout rooms proximate to classrooms to promote ease of access
  • Provide individual instruction & academic intervention
Learning Commons
  • Create spaces for science, tech, engineering & media lessons
  • Provide gathering space for larger groups of students
Media Center / Library 
  • Foster 21st Century media literacy skills
  • Hub for innovation, learning, and discovery
  • Co-located with an art room to allow
  • technology, art, and digital literacy projects
Music & Performance Spaces
  • Support the District’s extensive band & choir programs
Gymnasium
  • Space that supports the Physical Education program 
Additional Benefits
  • Designed for student safety and security
  • Designed for energy efficiency