Chelmsford School Building Committee approves $92,734 invoice, reviews 13 school options

CHELMSFORD -- November 20, 2025, Chelmsford's School Building Committee approved a $92,734 invoice package and reviewed all 13 school replacement scenarios mandated by the Massachusetts School Building Authority at its November 20 meeting. The MSBA formally rejected the committee's October 8 request to drop McCarthy School configurations from the study scope, notifying the district on November 4. Architects AI3 presented space programming data showing a proposed new Parker Middle School for grades four through six would total approximately 240,576 gross square feet, 14.6 percent above MSBA guidelines, with a larger grades-five-through-eight option exceeding 320,000 square feet; the team noted the overages are typical, averaging 13.6 percent across 12 comparable state projects. Dr. Lang argued that the district's robust special education programs and in-district placements justify the additional space, saying "if Chelmsford kids can be educated in a Chelmsford school and remain part of the community, it's better for them." The committee also reviewed site selection matrices for the Parker, Graniteville, and McCarthy sites, with cost estimates expected in early January ahead of a January 28 MSBA submission deadline.