The School Building Committee has approved a plan, “Bloom” for the new high school and building on the current playing fields in the Center. Do you support this decision? If not, what would you propose as an alternative?

The current high school is outdated, overcrowded, and no longer meets the needs of modern education. The Bloom plan for the new LHS project is a once-in-a-generation investment in our town’s future, ensuring Lexington students have a safe, energy-efficient, and well-equipped school for decades to come.

The design was chosen after extensive community engagement and thorough evaluation. By building on the current playing fields along Worthen Road, we can keep students in their existing classrooms during construction, minimizing disruption to learning. This approach also allows for a more modern, flexible layout, better suited to today’s educational needs. Additionally, the new school will incorporate sustainable and energy-efficient features, reducing long-term operational costs and supporting Lexington’s climate goals. A strong, well-designed high school is essential to maintaining Lexington’s top-tier education system, property values, and community appeal.

I understand that the cost of this project is significant, estimated to be well over $600 million with $100 million in anticipated reimbursement from MSBA, and I fully appreciate the concerns of older persons, residents without children in the schools, and those on fixed incomes. As a town, we must work together to explore more financial strategies that can help mitigate the impact, for example phased tax relief programs, exemptions for qualifying seniors, and potential state and federal funding opportunities among other options.

However, it’s important to remember that a strong public school system benefits everyone—not only families with students. High-quality schools protect and enhance property values, ensuring Lexington remains a desirable and competitive place to live. Investing in our educational infrastructure is an investment in our entire community, preserving both the excellence of our schools and the strength of our local economy.

This project represents a responsible, forward-thinking investment that will benefit students, families, and the entire town for generations. I encourage Town Meeting members to support the Bloom plan and move forward with this important project.