Woburn Council Unanimously Clears First Step Toward New North Woburn Elementary School

WOBURN -- February 9, 2026, Woburn City Council unanimously authorizes superintendent to seek MSBA funding for two North Woburn elementary schools. The Committee on Liaison voted Monday to advance orders allowing Superintendent Dr. Crowley to submit Statements of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the Altavesta Elementary School at 980 and a half Main Street and the Linscott-Runkford Elementary School at 86 Elm Street, the first step in a process that could produce a consolidated new school by fall 2032 or 2033. Consultant Donna D'Nisco of Nisco Design, whose 2023 facilities study pegged deferred maintenance at the two buildings at approximately $60 to $70 million, told the council the MSBA accepts roughly 15 to 20 of the 80 to 100 SOIs it receives annually; Woburn's reimbursement rate, if accepted, is expected to fall near the 51 percent the city received for the Harold D. Wyman School. Council President Rob Toro stressed repeatedly that the vote "in no way, shape, or form ties us to providing any financial commitment," while Mayor Mike Concanon urged approval and suggested a public referendum on full funding when that moment eventually arrives. The SOI deadline is April 17, 2026.