Protect Our School, Protect Our Community

The superintendent's proposal to reduce the budget by moving Pre-K and grades 6-8 Westford Vermont students to Essex schools threatens our children, our teachers, and the future of our town. Stand with us to protect our school.

What Is The Impact?

  • Losing Pre-K and grades 6-8 is the first step toward the eventual closure of WES altogether. This decision puts the heart of our community at risk.

  • Schools are central to small towns like ours. This move will erode community identity, reduce property values, and discourage families from staying or moving here.

    • Removing Pre-K disrupts early childhood development and transitions into school life.

    • Middle schoolers will face significant challenges transitioning to a new school, including social strain and reduced emotional support.

Parent Voices on the Issues

  • “We are new to Westford, and not even in the Westford school yet, but part of why we moved here is our attraction to the small school that we’ve heard so many good things about! I feel strongly about this not happening.”

  • “It's really upsetting. I loved the idea of our daughter being close to home in a small, community-focused school. The email frames this as a better middle school experience, but it's really about money. The budget mentions 'affordability' too often instead of focusing on what's best for the kids.”

  • "I’m strongly against relocating pre-K to Essex Elementary. I like having the littles close for storytime, and the commute would be tough on them and morning schedules. Mixing all district pre-K classes increases germ exposure, and I’m unsure if Four Winds or PTO-funded opportunities would still include them."

  • “I have been distraught about the threat of school closure or consolidating the middle school. I have four kids ages 1-7 and am struggling to imagine a scenario where they are spread between 3 different schools. I agree that Westford school has a special culture and I’ve loved seeing kids in the older grades interacting with my crew.”

  • "I’m very upset about this decision. It feels wrong to make it without consulting the town, especially without giving us time to prepare.”

  • "I believe this is the first step toward closing our school altogether. The pre-K relocation to Essex Elementary will make it unrealistic for many families, and it’s already challenging for working parents to participate. Losing our community school will also hurt property values.”

  • "I’m a Westford mom with a K and 5th grader. Like many parents, I’m freaking out a bit, especially with my 5th grader. I’m writing to see how I can help stop grades 6-8 from moving to EMS."

  • “I’m a parent of preschool aged children here in Westford and I absolutely am in support of keeping Westford school as is/ no movement or closure of any classrooms.”

  • "Westford School does something with 6-8th graders that no other middle school can. I’ve seen firsthand the difference in students from the three middle schools. Westford kids stand out for their maturity, independence, sense of community, respectfulness, and positive behavior.”

Get Involved

Fill Out A Survey

Share your personal concerns or experiences. Your input is critical in showing the school board the impact this decision will have on families, students, and the community.

Volunteer

Join our advocacy team! Whether it’s spreading the word, organizing events, or helping with outreach, every contribution matters.

Show Up At Meetings

Attend school board and community meetings to voice your concerns and stand up for our school. Bring friends, family, and neighbors—it’s essential to show strong community support