September 26, 2025

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff, and Community Members,

I am pleased to share an update on the AB Forward Strategic Planning Process (2026–2031), an important effort to shape the future of our school district.

Why We’re Doing This
Every student in Acton-Boxborough deserves an engaging, inclusive, and high-quality learning experience that prepares them for success beyond graduation. Meeting the diverse needs of our students—academic, social, and emotional—has become more complex as our community grows and changes. At the same time, rising costs and declining revenues have made it harder to sustain the level of programming and support our students need and deserve. The AB Forward plan will help us create a long-term roadmap that keeps students at the center while making sure our system remains strong and sustainable.

What We’re Working On
With support from an external partner (District Management Group), we are drafting a plan that includes:

1. A renewed vision and mission grounded in our “Vision of a Graduate”

2. A “Theory of Action” — how we will put our vision into practice
   
   

3. Priority areas and measurable goals to track progress
   
   

4. Options for reorganization to improve outcomes, equity, and efficiency across our district.
   
   

Recent Progress
On September 9th, the Steering Committee voted on refinements to our mission and vision. They also discussed how to evaluate future reorganization options based on four criteria: facility needs, program design, staffing and resources, and enrollment policy.  Our partner, District Management Group, has been conducting focus groups with stakeholders to solicit feedback on our Theory of Action and priority goals of our plan.

What’s Coming Next

We are now entering the phase of the project focused on the possible reorganization of our schools, and we need your input.

• On October 7th, District Management Group will share preliminary reorganization options with the steering committee. The meeting agenda and materials will be posted to our official meetings website on October 3rd.

• In October, we will launch a district-wide survey and host focus groups and community forums to collect input. Here are some anticipated dates and timelines:

  • Community Survey: Launches mid-October. (All community members are encouraged to participate.)

  • Community Forums (Open to all members of the public):

Community Forum #1: Tuesday, October 21st, 6:30-8:00 p.m., 

Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Auditorium

Community Forum #2: Monday, October 27th, 6:30-8:00 p.m.,

Blanchard Memorial School Gymnasium

Community Forum #3: Thursday, October 30th, 6:30-8:00 p.m., 

Virtual (registration & link to follow)

• Focus Groups: October 15th-27th. We will conduct over 30 focus groups with a capacity for up to 250 participants across stakeholder groups. Invitations for stakeholders to sign up for focus groups will be sent on the following schedule:

October 1st: Individuals who applied to the steering committee but were not selected will be invited to sign up for a focus group (approximately 10 individuals).

October 3rd: We will randomly select staff and families across our schools who will be invited to sign up for focus groups (approximately 50% of available seats).

October 6th: Any community members may sign up for a focus group on a first-come, first-served basis. We will have separate focus groups for staff, families, and other stakeholder groups (approximately 50% of available seats).

Once the community engagement phase of this work is complete, the information will be used to help the steering committee narrow options to the top 2-3 concepts.  These priorities will be submitted to the school committee for final approval.

• In early December, the School Committee will review 2–3 final reorganization options.

• The school committee will provide for a public comment period on the final options.  Details of this process will be shared at a later date.

• In January, the school committee will make a final decision and select one preferred option.
  
  

Your Role Matters
Public participation is central to this process. Surveys, forums, and focus groups will be offered with translation and virtual options. All community comments become public record.

We remain committed to a transparent, inclusive, and student-centered planning process. Thank you for your continued partnership as we shape a stronger future for our students and community.

Some Final Reminders

• Accurate, up-to-date information about the AB Forward Process can be found on the AB Forward Website.

• All meetings of the steering committee are open to the public.  Agendas and minutes are posted on the school committee website.

• You can always submit a public comment to the steering committee here.

• You can also email the school committee directly at abrsc@abschools.org

Thank you for your continued partnership during this important process.

Sincerely,

Superintendent of Schools